Looking for an astronomy fix? During the summer months, we don’t have the Friday night Public Viewings at the UofM’s Institute for Astrophysics, instead there is the Universe in the Park program on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. These events are held in various parks — some close, some not so close. The program starts with a 20-30 minute presentation at 8:30 p.m. and then, weather permitting, an opportunity to view the sky through telescopes until 10 or 11 p.m. Participants can learn how to use a star map and go home with a free one. This program is free, but a vehicle permit are required at the State Parks ($35 annual/$7 daily). Don’t forget to dress appropriately for Minnesota summer evenings (You know the drill — layers and insect repellent.) Since it IS a park, and you are paying for a days worth of parking, you might as well arrive early with a picnic and have some playtime.
Participating 2019 Universe In the Park locations are listed below:
| June 21, Fri | Lake Maria State Park |
| June 22, Sat | Lowry Nature Center |
| June 28, Fri | Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve |
| June 29, Sat | Nerstrand Big Woods State Park |
| July 5, Fri | Eastman Nature Center |
| July 6, Sat | Wild River State Park |
| July 12, Fri | Afton State Park |
| July 13, Sat | Lake Maria State Park |
| July 19, Fri | Father Hennepin State Park |
| July 20, Sat | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park |
| July 26, Fri | Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve |
| July 27, Sat | William O’Brien State Park |
| August 2, Fri | Dodge Nature Center |
| August 3, Sat | William O’Brien State Park |
| August 9, Fri | Gooseberry Falls State Park |
| August 10, Sat | Tettegouche State Park |
For more information, contact Chris Nolting at nolting@astro.umn.edu.
More Astronomy Family Fun:
- Como Planetarium
- Landing on the Moon, 50 Year Celebration
- Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics – Public Viewing Nights
- Staring Lake Observatory, Eden Prairie
- We have found some fun items for learning astronomy as a family
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