First of two star parties set for Thursday
CHADRON–The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting two star parties in conjunction with the exhibit in the center until Oct. 15. Kapemni: As It Is Above, It Is Below, showcases Lakota constellations, culture, history, Native American zodiac signs, and related lore. Hours of the Center are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m. and Friday 10 am to noon, closed weekends and holidays, according to Holly Counts with the Sandoz Center.
Counts, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences Dr. Tawny Tibbits, and CSC graduate student Kinsley Mason collaborated to create 14 paintings of constellations for the show.
The star party Thursday will be at the Black Hills Overlook, accessed through Chadron State Park. The July 28 star party will be at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
“In both star parties, we are going to be working with the Chadron Public Library. They're going to come out with us to the star parties and bring their astronomical binoculars and possibly telescope, as well. Park Rangers at Agate are partnering with CSC and the Chadron Public Library to lend their expertise. We're very excited to be working with both groups,” Tibbits said.
A limited number of printed summer sky maps will be available for those who attend. Both events are subject to cancellation due to weather. Shared telescopes will be provided and sanitized between viewers. Viewings start after sundown when the sky is dark and end at 11 p.m. Transportation is the responsibility of those attending. Masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible.
For more details about the exhibit or star parties, contact the Sandoz Center at 308-432-6401.
—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator
Category: Campus News