Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is hosting a dark sky celebration

MOSCA, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Saturday, August 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is hosting a dark sky celebration.

The National Park Service says that the event is designed to celebrate and educate visitors about the benefits of dark sky preservation since Great Sand Dunes protects some of Colorado’s darkest night skies.

The event will have a kids’ activity and information table, tables that will provide astronomy information, handouts, and the Junior Ranger Night Explorer activity book. Upon completion of this activity book, kids can earn a special night sky patch.

A ranger-led program will begin at 8:30 p.m. followed by multiple telescope viewings of planets and deep sky objects. The event concludes at 11 p.m. but stargazers are encouraged to continue enjoying the dark skies after the event.

According to The National Park Service, the event relies on good weather and dark conditions, so visitors are advised to bring red light flashlights and headlamps to protect their night vision and wear warm and layered clothing due to nighttime temperatures. The information table will provide red cellophane and rubber bands to convert white lights to less harmful red ones. In case of inclement weather, the event may be canceled.

For more information on the park, click here.