DATES: DECEMBER 1 – 3, 2024
PRICE: $978 | TUITION & LODGING
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 12
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Night Skies seminar series is a special treat for those wanting to learn about the nocotrnal world of Yellowstone from two different perspectives. Peering into the Cosmos will focus on astronomy AND night sky photography from two experts in their field. “Half the Park is After Dark” – it’s not just a slogan, it’s an invitation to view the night sky in stunning locations. During classroom sessions, participants will discuss how the park service is working to preserve the night sky in Yellowstone and why that is important. Participants will also learn about what can be observed in the night sky including aurora, satellites, planets, the Milky Way; particpants will also learn how to read a sky map and go star hopping through the constellations – this will all be paired with techniques for how to capture these celestial phenomena! In the evening telescopes will point toward the heavens to observe the objects above and to play with dark sky photography techniques.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
Slow mornings as late-night observing is usually our norm.
What can we see under the dark skies at Lamar? Satellites, Aurora, the Milky Way, moons, planets, nebula, and more. During classroom sessions participants will discuss what we may find during the evening observing time, and how to find these objects in the sky. Students will learn how to read a sky map, then Star Hop around the constellations. Participants will be introduced to resources for Space Weather forecasts and learn how to read the data. Dark sky photography techniques will be introduced. In the evening we’ll go out to observe through telescopes and practice our new skills such as star hopping.
DAY 3
Slow mornings as late-night observing is usually our norm.
What can we see under the dark skies at Lamar? Satellites, Aurora, the Milky Way, moons, planets, nebula, and more. During classroom sessions participants will discuss what we may find during the evening observing time, and how to find these objects in the sky. Students will learn how to read a sky map, then Star Hop around the constellations. Participants will be introduced to resources for Space Weather forecasts and learn how to read the data. Dark sky photography techniques will be introduced. In the evening we’ll go out to observe through telescopes and practice our new skills such as star hopping.
DAY 4
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and goes through Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 10:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Be prepared for hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
- Binoculars
- Camera
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Lynn Powers & Angela Tempo
Lynn Powers, M.S.S.E.
Lynn is a member of the NASA Jet Propolsion Labraotry (NASA/JPL) as a Solar System Ambassador and President of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society. Ms. Powers has spent over 20 years in education and public outreach with a focus on astronomy and enjoys sharing her love of the night sky with the public.
Angela Tempo, M.A.
Angela is a naturalist and photographer who specializes in the GYE (Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem) and night sky photography. She graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and social communications, a master’s in photojournalism from the same institution, and a master’s in public relations from Kent State University. She currently lives in Gardiner, MT, allowing her to immerse in the area year-round and keep learning about Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons National Park, and surrounding public lands.
***Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
