Astronomy in the Park with LVAS

Enjoy a night under the stars with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society at Valley of Fire State Park! The event will feature guided telescope viewings, self-guided night hikes, quiet sky viewing, and a presentation by UNLV Astronomy PhD candidate, Rachel Langgin, who studies merging black holes using data from LIGO.

Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 6:45-10:45pm (Indoor presentation at 7pm; Outdoor festivities from 8-10:45pm)
Location: Valley of Fire State Park’s NEW Visitor Center and surrounding area

What to Bring

• Guests are welcome to bring their own telescopes!
• A chair or blanket/pad to sit on, if desired.
• Flashlight with a red, blue, or green setting (please avoid or limit the use of white lights)
• UV/blacklight if you’d like to search for scorpions on the trails.
• Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Water

What to Expect

• 7-8pm Presentation in the Visitor Center INDOOR Theater. (Rachel Langgin, UNLV Astronomy PhD candidate)
• 8-10:45pm:
  • GUIDED Telescope Viewings with LVAS,
  • Quiet sky self-guided viewing in OUTDOOR Amphitheater, and
  • SELF-GUIDED hiking on specific trails.
• Trails: ~1mi/1.6km roundtrip out-and-back hikes between the Visitor Center and Beehives Formations and West Petrified Logs Loop.
  • Tealights will guide the way along the trails, but personal flashlights will be helpful and necessary for some.
  • Terrain is rugged and uneven with some gentle inclines and a few steps on West Petrified Logs loop and a slightly steep, yet short, incline on the Beehives Connector Trail.

Need to Know:

• Please be aware that even though the sun has set, the pavement and air will likely still be hot. Monitor yourself and your group for signs of overheating and dehydration.
• Pets must be kept outdoors and away from any telescope equipment. They are welcome on the trails on a leash up to 6ft long.
• The rest of the park CLOSES at sunset; guests must be in the areas designated for this event after sunset.
• Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Program is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice. Check the website for updates before you head out.  
• The telescope area, indoor theater, outdoor amphitheater, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Fees & Registration

• Regular Park Fee: $10/NV vehicles, $15/out of state vehicles.
• Price is per VEHICLE.
• Please pay the park fee upon arrival at one of our self-serve kiosks in the parking lots by the fee booths.
• No registration required; Drop-ins only.

Contact:

This program is hosted by VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK. For questions, contact:
Kayla Wolfe
Park Interpreter
kwolfe@parks.nv.gov

Nevada State Parks is committed to providing accessible experiences for all visitors. If you need a reasonable communication accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the park or event coordinator no later than 10 days in advance so we have time to work with you and support your visit.

Banner photo by Stan Davis