NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Gina Kerzman
Office of Public Affairs
(406) 888-5838

Glacier National Park will host night sky viewing parties

WEST GLACIER, Mont. (DEC. 7, 2020) - The National Park Service has partnered with the
Glacier National Park Conservancy, the International Dark Sky Association, the NPS Night Sky
Program and the Big Sky Astronomy Club to provide night sky viewing events at Glacier
National Park. These events take place between May and November and are led by our trained
park rangers.

Glacier’s Half the Park Happens after Dark program provides participants the opportunity to use
sophisticated telescopes to view the night sky in areas of the park with limited artificial light.
The night time viewing events take place in the St. Mary and Apgar regions. Ranger-led Logan
Pass Star Party programs are also available.

Two of the night sky programs offer visitors the chance to view the Milky Way and the
International Space Station. The viewing of the space station, the third brightest object in the sky
over the park, only lasts for about 3 to 4 minutes due to the high speeds it travels at. The park
rangers are present to inform event participants the exact moment when to look up.

“In a time when one third of the world’s population can no longer see the Milky Way, protecting
this resource is essential,” said Jeff Mow, Glacier National Park superintendent. “Here in Glacier,
our philanthropic partner Glacier National Park Conservancy has served as a steadfast supporter
of dark skies, supporting not only our application, but also our ongoing star parties, solar viewing
and other dark sky initiatives.”

As an International Dark Sky Park, Glacier is committed to preserving the dark sky for public
enjoyment. Glacier is also committed to educating the public on the importance of preserving the
dark sky and ways to limit light pollution.

Glacier National Park is 1,500 square miles of wilderness with over 700 miles of hiking trails.
The park was established in 1910 and is located at 64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park
Headquarters, West Glacier, MT 59936.

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