Astronomy Festival

 

Black Canyon Regional AstroFest, September 5-7, 2024

Dark skies are beautiful and scientifically valuable. Humans have been contemplating their meaning for centuries. The National Park Service and its partner organizations invite you to discover the night sky through a series of astronomy programs. Every year, AstroFest provides the opportunity for visitors to experience this threatened resource, and learn about how important it is to protect. Come celebrate with us!

This year will highlight the night skies along the Gunnison River corridor, in three separate public land areas:

• Thursday, September 5 events will take place in the town of Montrose, Colorado, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.
• Friday, September 6 events will be at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
• Saturday, September 7 events will be held at the Elk Creek district of Curecanti National Recreation Area.

Plan Ahead

• Due to very limited parking at event sites, carpooling is strongly encouraged for all events, particularly on Friday at Black Canyon.
• There is limited cell service at event sites; plan accordingly.
• Protect participants' night vision by only using flashlights with red lenses, NOT white lights.
• Dress warmly and prepare for the evening's weather conditions.
• Bring food and water, and bring a comfortable campchair, if desired.
• All events are free, but park entrance fees still apply at Black Canyon.

2024 Schedule of Events

Thursday, September 5, 2024

• 3 pm to 5 pm: Solar telescope viewing and family-friendly astronomy activities at the Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center.
• 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Evening astronomy program at the Montrose Public Safety Complex Community Room.
• 8:30 pm to 10 pm: Evening stargazing with telescopes at the Flat Top BLM area (near the parking area, not up on the hill), north of Montrose (directions at the bottom of page).

Friday, September 6, 2024

• 3 pm to 5 pm: Daytime astronomy, solar telescope viewing, and Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorer activities at the South Rim Visitor Center.
• 7:30 pm to 10 pm: Evening program at the South Rim Campground amphitheater. Join a park ranger for a talk on nocturnal wildlife, followed by a constellation tour. Parking is limited at the campground.

Saturday, September 7, 2024

• 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorer activities at the Elk Creek Campground.
• 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Evening ranger program at the Elk Creek Campground amphitheater.
• 8:30 pm to 10 pm: Evening stargazing with telescopes at the Elk Creek Campground amphitheater.

 

The annual Black Canyon Astronomy Festival includes lots of stargazing, both with and without telescopes!

Photo Credit: Joyce Tanihara

All events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather. Location changes or cancellations will be listed in the Alerts section of this website, and posted to the Black Canyon or Curecanti Facebook pages.

Partnerships and Support

AstroFest has been made possible through our partnerships with, and support from, these agencies and organizations. Visit their websites to learn more:

• Western National Parks Association
• Bureau of Land Management/Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
• Black Canyon Astronomical Society
• Gunnison Valley Observatory
• DarkSky International
• Colorado Canyons Association

Learn more about protecting dark night skies in national parks and at home!

Event Directions

Directions to the BLM Flat Top site:

**Please park in the main parking lot, on your right as you enter BLM land (near the vault toilet). Do not attempt to drive to the top of the hill. Telescopes will be on the other side of the road.

From North of Montrose: Travel South on Highway 50. Follow signs for Hwy 50 left at the San Juan Bypass traffic light. Continue for 1.1 miles, then turn left onto 6530 Rd.
From South of Montrose: Travel North on Highway 550. Turn right at Main & Townsend. Follow signs for Hwy 50 and turn left at the San Juan Bypass traffic light. Continue for 0.3 miles, then turn right onto 6530 Rd.
From East of Montrose: Travel West on Highway 50. Follow signs for Hwy 50 and turn right at the San Juan Bypass traffic light (Taco Bell on left before turn). Continue for 0.3 miles, then turn right onto 6530 Rd.
Once you are on 6530 Road: Continue for 2.4 miles. You will pass San Juan Gardens on the left and Montrose Forest Products mill on the left. The road turns to dirt at the mill. About 1000 feet past the main entrance to the mill, turn right at the top of the rise onto Flat Top Rd. Continue for 0.8 miles. The Flat Top BLM parking lot is on the right. We will set up east of there across the road.
Coordinates: Location of site is 38.52 North, 107.86 West