NPS Explore the Sun and Stars Through Fun Activities at Fall River Visitor Center!As part of Rocky Mountain National Park's Astronomy Festival, join NPS staff, special guest presenters, and volunteers at Fall River Visitor Center on August 2 & 3. Enjoy a variety of fun activities focused on the sun and stars! A timed entry reservation is not required to attend activities at any of RMNP's visitor centers.
NPS Where are Different Activities Happening? Check out the Astronomy Festival Map!Click on top of the map image to enlarge 
Schedule of Activities for Friday, August 2, 2024At Fall River Visitor Center: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Activity 1: Solar ObservingHave you ever looked at the sun through a solar telescope? If not, this is your chance! Take a look at our closest star and look for sunspots using a solar telescope. Activity 2: Enjoy Summer StargazingJoin Dr. Erica Ellingson and get ready for stargazing by taking a tour of summer constellations while using an inflatable planetarium. Activity 3: Natural Sounds and Night Skies in National ParksJoin NPS Astronomer Dr. Li-Wei Hung and become a Night Skies and Natural Sounds Junior Ranger! Enjoy a skyglow puzzle, explore night lighting principles and tools, and plan for your next stargazing adventure. Schedule of Activities for Saturday, August 3, 2024:2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Activity 1: Solar ObservingHave you ever looked at the sun through a solar telescope? If not, this is your chance! Take a look at our closest star and look for sunspots using a solar telescope. Activity 2: Enjoy Summer StargazingJoin Dr. Erica Ellingson and get ready for stargazing by taking a tour of the summer constellations while using an inflatable planetarium. Activity 3: Dark Skies and Bright IdeasStars, constellations and the Milky Way, oh my! Afternoon Activities Special Guests:
Courtesy Dr. Erica Ellingson Dr. Erica EllingsonDr. Erica Ellingson is an astrophysicist who delights in using telescopes large and small in space and at observatories around the world.Her work includes investigating galaxy clusters, the evolution of galaxies, black holes, and the mysterious cosmological forces of dark matter and dark energy. Her research also includes historical and archaeo-astronomy and she is an editor with the international Journal of Skyscape Archaeology. Dr. Ellingson also teaches and produces educational programs at the Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado, teaches with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver and is an astronomical consultant with the National Park Service. 
NPS Dr. Li-Wei HungDr. Li-Wei Hung leads the NPS night sky monitoring team, which serves all 430 national park units in the United States. Her role involves providing scientific support to superintendents and resource managers, with a focus on protecting natural night skies for the management of both natural and cultural resources, facilities, wildlife, and visitor experiences across the NPS. Dr. Hung is an astrophysicist by training. She earned her Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California, Los Angeles. Utilizing an 8-meter telescope, she directly imaged planet formation disks around other stars. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy from The Ohio State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with honors research distinction. Dr. Hung was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Outside of work, she finds joy in outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, hiking, biking, running, and swimming. 
Courtesy Deb Price Deb PriceDeborah Price is a retired environmental educator, and has been a member of Darksky Colorado's Board of Directors since 2022. She has a degree in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University, and a previous degree in journalism and public relations. Click Here toReturn to Night Sky Programs Page |
Last updated: July 25, 2024