Dusk to Dark Star Party and Nature Night

Enjoy Dusk to Dark Star Party and Nature Night at Shield Ranch Barton Creek, the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas. Join night sky educators for stargazing, hands-on citizen science activities to help preserve our naturally dark night skies.

• Starry Sky Viewing: Explore the night sky through telescopes, learn how to find constellations and view celestial wonders with members of Austin Astronomical Society

• Dark Skies Education: Discover the importance of dark skies for all living things and how we can preserve them.

• Citizen Science: Contribute to the Globe at Night campaign helping researchers worldwide track and reduce light pollution.

• UV Nature Walk: Join a Central Texas Mycological Society educator for a guided UV walk through a diverse, nocturnal ecosystem. Using UV flashlights and cameras, we’ll look for mushrooms, night pollinators, birds, glowing plants, lichens, and more.

• Community Constellation Art and Storytelling: With artist and educator, Stephanie Chavez Noell we will weave together the constellations in the night’s sky while learning stories about the constellations from different cultures.

• Yaupon Tea Tasting: Enjoy a cozy cup of Yaupon Tea from Cat Spring Yaupon.