VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK- A three-day extravaganza highlighting the wonders of the heavens above is coming to Voyageurs National Park Aug. 10-12 with the third annual summer Star Party, sponsored by the National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy and other partners.
In December 2020, Voyageurs National Park became officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park. This certification from the International Dark Sky Association recognizes Voyageurs for the exceptional quality of its dark skies and its ongoing commitment to preserving darkness and educating the public about the night sky.
This three-day Star Party celebration featuring special speakers, telescope viewing sessions, guided constellation tours, ranger programs, and more will support the continued protection and enjoyment of the park’s incredible night skies.
The activities kick off on Thursday, Aug. 10, with a family-friendly Stars and Space Storytime from 2-3:30 p.m. at the International Falls Library. Author Polly Carlson-Voiles and illustrator Consie Powell, both of Ely, will conduct a special storytime about their new book, “Star Party.” During the event you can purchase their new illustrated childrens book and also pick up a free National Park Service Junior Ranger Night Explorer book and a Bell Museum scavenger hunt to begin your own dark sky adventures.
The activity will shift to Ranier Community Hall at 5 p.m. for an hour-long presentation titled “Light Pollution Challenges and Solutions, and the Economic Opportunities of Astro-tourism.” Join Dark Sky Delegate and Starry Skies North chapter president Todd Burlet as he explores light pollution and the economic opportunities it creates for still-dark locales. Learn about the sources of light pollution, the impact it has on human health and wellness, as well as the health of our plants, animals, and waters. Learn about simple things you can do as individuals, families, and communities to reduce light pollution while still enjoying quality outdoor lighting. Learn more about the economic opportunities of astro-tourism and how to tap into this growing market.
Special speakers, including “Astro Bob”, will offer stories and information and lead activities to inspire with the galaxies, planets, and stars above our heads. Once the park goes dark, attendees will enjoy guided telescope sessions and constellation tours. The speakers and activities are set for Friday, Aug. 11 at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Lake Kabetogama Visitor Center.
The activity schedule will be the same for both locations, and will include:
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: view solar scopes and ask astronomy questions as you explore the sky by day with “Astro Bob” King and Voyageurs Conservancy’s Dark Sky Expert Educator Jesse Gates.
• 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: enjoy two showings of the film “Northern Nights, Starry Skies” inside the visitor centers. Co-produced with Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education, this is a film experience that will transform your appreciation of the North Country’s spectacular starry skies. Ojibwe and Dakota cultural astronomers, and other experts share the wonders of the heavens.
• 7-9 p.m.: National Park Service Ranger-led programs including talks about the solar system and aurora borealis, as well as story time around the campfire with s’mores and opportunities to get on the water via canoe.
• 7-11 p.m.: enjoy an evening paddle in the 10-person Canoemobile provided by Wilderness Inquiry. No prior paddling experience is required. Personal flotation devices will be provided for all ages.
• 9 p.m.: discover the night with astronomer and planetarium educator “Astro” Bob King. Learn about August’s celestial events and what makes Voyageurs National Park’s dark skies so spectacular.
• 10 p.m. – 12 a.m.: enjoy telescope sessions and constellation tours under Voyageurs’ star-studded skies. Join “Astro Bob”, Park Rangers, Voyageurs Conservancy, and Starry Skies North to put your new night-watching skills to the test. View Jupiter and Saturn through a telescope, enjoy constellation tours over the park, learn about astro-photography, take an opportunity to view other galaxies through our new high-powered 18” Obsession Telescope.
All are welcome to attend this event at Voyageurs National Park. There are no reservations required to attend the Star Party. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies to this event. Seating is not provided so bring a camp chair or blanket. Wear layers, bring water, pack bug spray, and keep in mind parking is limited. Eat dinner before you arrive or pack a picnic (and plan to pack your trash out with you). Be prepared to wait in line to park or walk a short distance from overflow parking.
A more detailed schedule of events in available online at https://www.voyageurs.org/starparty.