Dark Sky Association Offers Stargazing Resources
The Montana Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association works to protect Montana’s heritage of star-filled night skies. Their educational efforts include a calendar of sky related events and the Dark Sky Destinations map which validates the recent acknowledgment that Missouri River country is a top destination for star gazing.
Notable night sky targets include Mars, which is visible on most clear nights, and you can take a journey to the Andromeda Galaxy, provided the weather cooperates.
If you are a novice sky watcher and want to learn more, there are some great online resources available.
Check out the Dark Skies Guide by visiting missouririvermt. com/assets/guides/ MRC_Montana_Dark_Skies_ Guide.pdf. The site includes a dark skies calculator, tips for photographing the night sky and guides to the Pines Recreation Area, Hell Creek State Park, Brush Lake State Park and other locations in the region. Stargazing tips from the Montana Office of Tourism & Business Development can be viewed at visitmt.com/ eastern-montana/star-gazing- in-eastern-montana.html.
A sky calendar from Space. com can be found at space. com/32286-space-calendar. html.
