Peer at Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons at Night Sky Party at Inks Lake
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
HOOVER’S VALLEY — For most people, finding the Big Dipper in the night sky isn’t too difficult, but how about the Andromeda Galaxy? Or Jupiter and its moons and the rings of Saturn?
The only places most people can see those are in a book or on the Internet. But thanks to Inks Lake State Park and Star Gaze U.S.A., that all changes. The park, in conjunction with Star Gaze U.S.A., is offering a Night Sky Party every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. And, during Spring Break (March 10-15), you can look upon the stars every night.
“We’ve partnered with an astronomer from Star Gaze U.S.A. to bring this to the park,” said Sean Jones of Inks Lake State Park. “It’s really, really awesome what people will be able to see.”
The cost of the event is $4 for ages 13 and older and free for children 12 and younger plus the park entrance fee. The park is located at 3630 Park Road 4 West near Burnet.
Jones said the program will be held on clear nights, so rain, heavy clouds and inclement weather can impact whether it happens.
But when it does, Jones said people should expect to be wowed.
“(The astronomer) will bring a really good telescope along with star maps,” Jones said. “(Visitors will) basically get to see what’s up there in the night sky, a tour of the constellations and the planets that are up.”
Right now, Jones said folks will be able to see Jupiter and Saturn. But with the telescope, those planets will be more than just large, twinkling lights in the night sky.
“You can really see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, which are really spectacular,” he said. “And, if the moon is out, you’ll be able to see the first moon-landing site of the Apollo (spacecraft).”
During the three-hour program, everyone should get a chance to look through the telescope and check out the heavenly bodies. Jones said visitors are more than welcome to bring their own telescopes.
Jones and the astronomer will have green laser pointers to mark objects in the night sky so people can follow along.
The program will take place near the park store, but there will be signs to guide people to the proper location.
The initial program runs through March 29 on Fridays and Saturdays, but it will be held every day May 1-Sept. 1 with the exception of Sundays, according to Jones.
Go to hwww.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/inks-lake or call (512) 793-4689 for more information. Park entrance fees are $6 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. Texas State Parks Pass holders don’t have to pay the park entrance fee nor do people in the vehicle with them. The pass costs $70 a year, but holders get free entrance to the 90 state parks as well as discounts for many activities. Passes may be purchased at www.tpwd.state.tx.us or at most state parks.
daniel@thepicayune.com