Las Vegas Astronomy

**Astronomy** is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets.

**Amateur Astronomers** play an active role in this science. This is especially true for the discovery and
observation of transient events. Amateur astronomers have helped with many important discoveries, such as finding new comets.

There are many fun-filled educational adventure opportunities available for families and local youth groups in **Las Vegas Astronomy.**

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## **BSA Scouting & Astronomy**

Many local **Scout Groups** frequently take youth-led monthly wilderness outings which include great opportunities for amateur astronomy. This includes activities that promote positive leadership, service, personal management and character traits.

The best part of Astronomy is being out in the dark open wilderness, far away from city light pollution and when you look up at the sky - know what highlights to look for. Even with just a basic set of binoculars you can easily find some very unique secrets hiding in the sky.

Other scouting resources for Astronomy include the following:

* **Astronomy Merit Badge** - The BSA Merit badge program has many useful suggestions for discovery learning activities include observation activities, personal study assignments, field trips, meeting with experienced mentors, etc in a safe environment. Many scout units are able to network with existing local resources.
* **Astronomy NOVA Award** - *Out of this World* - STEM group activities for younger Cub Scouts.
* **Astronomy Rugged-O** : A popular scouting activity that involves camping overnight directly under the stars (without a tent!) Being away from light sources this creates an optimum stargazing wilderness experience.
* **Boy Scouts of America** units sponsor a number scout camps in the area that include facilities to support Astronomy and other great outdoor activities. Many are open to the public during the year (conditions permitting) at a very low rates.
	+ **Mataguay Scout Ranch** operated by the BSA San Diego-Imperial Council is located in the shadow of the world famous Palomar Observatory. Their summer camp astronomy class arranges weekly tours of the observatory. Conditions permitting. The primary BSA wilderness summer camp in San Diego, it is open for use to scouts and non-scout families throughout the year. There are also several large campfire rings on the reservation if you wish to put on a large program in the evening. On the grounds of the ranch itself, there are numerous hiking trails and areas to be explored. For those who are looking for more challenging trails, there is the Mataguay Pacific Crest Connector Trail, or a seven mile trail into camp from Barrel Springs. There certainly is enough room for a group of any size.
	+ **Lost Valley Scout Camp** - "Get Lost in Adventure" the primary wilderness camp of the BSA Orange County Council is located near Borrego Springs in remote desert-mountain wilderness. It is an ideal location for Astronomy. Other activities include STEM center, field sports, handicrafts, nature center and shooting sports ranges. With over 45 Merit Badges offered at camp, Lost Valley makes it easy for youth to discover and develop what they like to do. Whether that is zip lining and horseback riding or mountain boarding and target shooting with paintballs, the Valley has it all. Plus, the friends they make will last a lifetime!
* **BeAScout.org** - Find a Scout Pack, Troop or Crew near you.
* **Astronomy for Scout Groups** - ScoutingMagazine.org Special Feature: Cultivate a lifelong interest in the sky and in science by using these tips for viewing the starry sky with your Scouts and Venturers.

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### **Mt Potosi Observatory / Kimball Scout Camp**

* **Las Vegas Astronomical Society (LVAS)**
* **Kimball Scout Reservation - Las Vegas Area Council BSA (LVAC)**
* *-**The Greatest Stars in Las Vegas can't be Found on the Strip**-*

Located at the base of Mt. Potosi, about 35 minutes southwest of Las Vegas and 15 to 20 degrees cooler, beautiful **Kimball Scout Reservation** is an ideal place for Scouts looking for adventure and advancement.  Taking a step back into history, Kimball has been renovated to resemble an old mining town.  The adventure begins with over 20 merit badges to choose from, and advancement programs designed to get your younger Scouts to their First Class Rank.

Scouts can earn one or more of the hiking segments by taking many different mountain hikes that lead to spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley, including an unforgettable night hike that overlooks the light filled valley.

Note: Access to the LVAS Observatory on the Kimball Scout Reservation is limited to active LVAS members. Use of the site must be coordinated with the LVAS Officers and the LVAC of the Boy Scouts.

* **LVAS Observers Challenge** - The purpose of the Observer’s Challenge is to encourage the pursuit of visual observing. It’s open to everyone that’s interested, and if you’re able to contribute notes, and/or drawings, we’ll be happy to include them in our monthly summary. We also accept digital imaging. Visual astronomy depends on what’s seen through the eyepiece. Not only does it satisfy an innate curiosity, but it allows the visual observer to discover the beauty and the wonderment of the night sky. Before photography, all observations depended on what the astronomer saw in the eyepiece, and how they recorded their observations. This was done through notes and drawings, and that’s the tradition we’re stressing in the Observers Challenge.

## **Local Programs**

Local community Astronomy programs include the following:

### **Community Groups & Forums**

* Bigelow Physics Blg (UNLV) - The home of the physics department offers teaching and research labs, demonstration labs, astronomy lab, and a small observatory telescope.
* Night Sky Networy (JPL-NASA) - Astronomy Clubs networking together.
* Astronomy Clubs in Nevada.

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### **Red Rock Canyon State Park**

**Red Rock Canyon State Park** features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, hiking and trails, plants and wildlife, geology, camping, cultural resources and much more. Our Visitor Center offers information and interpretation about recreation opportunities.

* Astronomy Day at Red Rock - Come on out to Red Rock Canyon to enjoy a fun-filled day of Astronomy! A special Hydrogen-Alpha filtered telescope will allow the public to view the sun during the day, while a presentation
* Astronomy in the Park - The Las Vegas Astronomical Society will have member telescopes to view objects in our night sky. Bring your own telescopes or binoculars if you have them. For more information or to register for a program, please call (702) 515-5367.

### **NPS Death Valley Dark Sky Festival (Febr)**

Explore the park’s unique landscape and dark night skies that help us better understand the wonders beyond our world. This event is a collaboration between the park, Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA, and many other organizations.

Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. The International Dark-Sky Association has designated Death Valley National Park as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest rating of darkness.

During the day, the Dark Sky Festival features guided hikes, ranger talks, family programming, and an exploration fair. At night, visitors can attend evening programs, night sky photography meet ups, and a star party.

* **3rd Week of February (?) - Death Valley Dark Sky Festival**
* Death Valley Dark Sky Festival - Official National Park Website
* Death Valley Natural History Association
* The Oasis at Death Valley - Stargazing - During the winter and spring months, Death Valley National Park rangers hold stargazing events with various astronomy organizations, but the beautiful dark skies are an attraction for astronomy enthusiasts year-round.

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### **CSN Planetarium**

**CSN Planetarium** is Southern Nevada’s only public planetarium, where the stars are literally the stars of the show. Our 66-seat theater features an Evans & Sutherland Digistar 5 high definition hemispheric video projection system. Located on the Cheyenne Campus of the College of Southern Nevada.

* **Planetarium Field Trips:** We aim to provide a cost-effective, high-quality educational and entertaining experience for your public school, private school, home school collective, or other private group. As Southern Nevada's only public planetarium, we are able to guide your group on a one-of-a-kind journey through many scientific disciplines.
* CSN Observatory - Main Campus - College of Southern Nevada.
* College of Southern Nevada - Campus Life

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### **Cedar Breaks National Monument**

* **Cedar Breaks Star Parties - Saturdays in the Summer:** Nestled on the edge of the Markagunt Plateau, this giant amphitheater (over 2,500 feet deep and more than three miles across) is breathtaking during the day, but wait until you see it at night. Just 25 minutes east of Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument towers above 10,000 feet and the higher altitude allows for unbelievably clear views of the night sky.

Officially designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, Cedar Breaks National Monument is situated in one of the largest regions of remaining natural darkness in the lower 48 U.S. states.

To celebrate the night sky, Cedar Breaks hosts a series of Star Parties at Point Supreme Saturday nights beginning in July and running through Labor Day weekend. Star Parties are free and include constellation tours, unbeatable views through the park’s telescopes and on occasion, amazing moments like the Perseid meteor shower.

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### **Great Basin National Park**

Only a short two hour drive from Cedar City and has basically the darkest skies in the nation, **Great Basin National Park** is a popular astronomy destination. An International Dark Sky Park, Great Basin National Park provides distinguished and significant opportunities to experience dark nights. On a clear, moonless night, thousands of stars, five of our solar system's eight planets, star clusters, meteors, man-made satellites, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. The area boasts some of the darkest night skies left in the United States. Low humidity and minimal light pollution, combined with high elevation, create a unique window to the universe.

Beyond stargazing, Great Basin typically offers astronomy programs April through October on Saturday nights, with additional Tuesday and Thursday night programs during the summer season. On summer nights when the moon is too bright for our regular astronomy programs, join a dark ranger for a full moon hike.

#### **Great Basin Star Train**

**Great Basin Star Train** pulls out of Ely on selected Summer evenings with the Dark Rangers of Great Basin National Park aboard.  These rangers love the night sky as much as we all do, but they probably know a whole lot more about stars than all of us put together.  They will guide us on our journey to find interesting things up in the Heavens on this journey. We will stop the train away from town to take full advantage of the dark night skies.  The National Park Service Rangers will be taking us on our own special tour of the celestial constellations.

#### **Great Basin Astronomy Festival (Sept)**

**Great Basin Astronomy Festival** Astronomy program days and start times change throughout the year. Programs are typically offered May through October on Saturday nights, with additional Tuesday and Thursday night programs during the summer season, between Memorial day and Labor Day. During some holiday weekends astronomy programs will be given both Saturday and Sunday nights. Check at the park for dates and times.

The programs are free and no reservations are necessary. All astronomy programs will start with a ranger talk at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, followed by ranger-led telescope viewing. Please do not bring your own telescopes; we have them available.

* **Great Basin Park Foundation**

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## **Astronomy Calendar**

* Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events - SeaSky.org
* InTheSky News Calendar - In-The-Sky.org
* Sights to See - TimeAndDate.com -
* List of Future Astronomical Events - Wikipedia

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## Resources

* 9 Things to Know about the Night Sky - ScoutLife.org
* Take the Night Sky All Star Tour - ScoutLife.org
* Astronomy Reference Guide - SeaSky.org
* Astronomy Classroom Resources - NationalScienceFoundation.org.
* AstroBetter - Blogs by Astronomers
* Astronomy.com - Astronomy Magazine

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## See Also

* National Scholarships and Grants = Scholarships in Astronomy and other Science Fields
* Scouting in Nevada - List of major state youth camps.
* Catalina Island Astronomy -
* Inland Empire Astronomy -

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## ThinkAndGrin

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