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Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. DarkSky International has designated Death Valley National Park a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, which is the highest rating of darkness.
During our annual spring Dark Sky Festival, visitors are invited to come explore the night sky and the unique park landscapes which can help us better understand wonders beyond our world. This event is a collaboration between Death Valley National Park, our non-profit partner Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ames Research Center, The Las Vegas Astronomical Society, SETI Institute and California Institute of Technology.
Dark Sky Schedule
Auditorium Talks
Attend a talk to learn about the mysteries of the universe and how we explore them.
Furnace Creek Auditorium Presentations
Amateur Astronomy and Astrophotography in our National Parks and Public Lands
Jeremy Evans (Dark Sky International Ambassador)
This program covers light pollution and prevention followed by a night sky tour using basic photography equipment and deep sky telescope astro imaging. Featuring images from Death Valley, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia, and more, see the milky way, lunar rainbows, meteor showers, distant galaxies, comets, nebulas, and eclipses. Come learn more about light pollution, prevention, night photography and astronomy or simply enjoy the slideshow.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Astrophotography “How-to” Session
Jeremy Evans (Dark Sky International Ambassador)
An opportunity to learn how to take pictures of the stars with your own DSLR camera! Note this session is intended for astrophotography newcomers. Participants should bring their DSLR camera and tripod.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Keynote Talk
Ocean Worlds Past and Present: The search for life and interesting chemistry in our cosmic backyard
Dr. Morgan Cable (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Our solar system is home to a diverse array of ocean worlds: bodies that now host (or did in the past) oceans and seas of liquid, usually water, either on their surfaces or underneath icy crusts. These worlds are prime targets of exploration as they may contain all three ingredients for life as we know it - water, chemistry, and energy. Could life exist in the subsurface oceans of Enceladus or Europa? Could even stranger life have emerged in the liquid methane lakes of Titan? Could evidence of ancient life be right within our reach on Mars, or could life still have a foothold on the Red Planet today? Dr. Cable will cover our current state of knowledge of these worlds, and discuss some current missions and future mission concepts to explore their plumes, surfaces, and ocean depths.
7:00 PM -8:00 PM
Tickets are required for the Keynote talks. Pick up your free ticket on a first come first serve basis starting the day before at Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Astrophotography Meet-up
Stephanie Lamar (NPS)
An opportunity to photograph the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country. Astrophotography volunteers and rangers will be on hand to assist. A DSLR and tripod are essential to enjoy this session
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Astronomy Programs
Furnace Creek Star Party
Las Vegas Astronomical Society
Explore the night sky through telescopes directed at different planets, stars and more!
Ranger guided constellation tours on the half hour (7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM)
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Furnace Creek Airport
Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap
Dr. Cameron Hummels (California Instute of Technology)
Join Caltech Scientists for two 20-minute public astronomy talks and space-themed pub trivia over food and drinks at the Badwater Saloon! All ages welcome.
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Badwater Saloon, Stovepipe Wells
Furnace Creek Auditorium Presentations
Fly Me to The Moon: Why Humans May Not be the Only Life on the Lunar Surface in the Future
Dr. Prabal Saxena (NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center)
One of the exciting upcoming features of space exploration is the plan for the sustainable presence of Humans at the Lunar South Pole. While having humans explore the lunar poles involves a lot of planning, we aren't the only life that may be traveling on these missions that could potentially survive on the Moon. Come learn about some of the microbial life that may be able to survive on the Moon, the factors that they'll have to survive to make it, and how it can change the way we think about exploring potentially survivable and habitable environments.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
NASA’s Search for Planets, Habitability, and Life in our Galaxy
Dr. Nick Siegler (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
In the last few decades we have learned that our Galaxy is teeming with planets. But do any of them harbor life? Come hear about how all these planets have been discovered and how NASA is striving to answer the question "Are we alone?"
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
From Big Bang to Heat Death: The Flow of Energy in our Universe
Dr. Cameron Hummels (California Institute of Technology)
Energy conservation is the most fundamental law in physics, that the amount of energy in a physical system remains constant over time. But what is energy and how does it flow through our world? Join me as I tell the story of our universe from the perspective of a quantum of energy. Beginning with the Big Bang, we will follow energy's trajectory through the cores of stars, shining starlight, the electrical grid, the human body, black holes, and eventually to the fate of our universe: heat death.
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
The Martian Landscapes of Death Valley
Doug Ellison (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Death Valley could be called 'Out of this world' but how true is that? Curiosity Rover Planning Team Chief Doug Ellison will walk through some popular park landmarks comparing views from the ground and the air with similar landscapes from the Red Planet and finish answering the question....which part of Death Valley is truly out of this world?
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Astrophotography “How-to” Session
Jeremy Evans (Dark Sky International Ambassador)
An opportunity to learn how to take pictures of the stars with your own DSLR camera! Note this session is intended for astrophotography newcomers. Participants should bring their DSLR camera and tripod.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Keynote Talk
To the Moon! Preparing for Artemis and Beyond
Dr. Cherie Achilles (NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center)
NASA is preparing to return humans to the Moon through the Artemis campaign. Come learn how field expeditions to lunar and martian analog environments are important for training astronauts and science teams for these exciting missions!
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Tickets are required for the Keynote talks. Pick up your free ticket on a first come first serve basis starting the day before at Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Talks Around the Park
What does the history of life on Earth tell us about the possibility of life on Mars?
Dr. Michael Tuite (Astrobiologist)
Life on Earth emerged soon after the surface was cool enough to support liquid water, nearly four billion years ago. Ever since, the Earth and it's inhabitants have evolved together to produce the diverse biosphere and habitable environment we know today. In stark contrast, Mars today is a seemingly lifeless, frigid desert planet. Yet, early in their histories, Earth and Mar were more alike than they are today. Might life have emerged on early Mars like it did on Earth? How might we find out? The Perseverance rover is searching for signatures of life preserved in ancient Mars rocks with its onboard instruments and is collecting samples to return to Earth so that scientists around the world can address one of science's Big Questions: Is there life beyond Earth?
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Mars Hill (park on shoulder of road near Artists Drive Exit) Short Walk around large rocks and on an incline
Stardust all around us: cosmic origin stories on display in Death Valley
Dr. Kathryn Plant (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Stroll past the colorful rocks of Golden Canyon and learn how different elements in these minerals formed in the universe. Join this short hike to see elements that once emerged from the hearts of stars, from the Big Bang itself, and more.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Golden Canyon Short walk on uneven surface
Mars-like Places on Earth: A Journey into the Ubehebe Crater
Dr. Rosalba Bonaccorsi (NASA - Ames Research Center)
Places in Death Valley appear similar to places on the Red Planet. Come learn how research in Death Valley can help guide us in our understanding of Earth's neighbor.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Ubehebe Crater Strenuous walk to bottom of Ubehebe Crater
A Search for Life in Unexpected Places
Dr. Caitlin Crawford (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
How can the extreme beauty and harshness of Death Valley’s Badwater Basin help unlock the secrets of life beyond Earth? Join us in exploring the surprising connections between this unique landscape and Europa, an icy moon of Jupiter. Discover how insights from Earth’s most extreme environments fuel NASA’s thrilling Europa Clipper mission and bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s greatest questions: Are we alone in the universe?
1:00 PM- 2:00 PM, Badwater Basin
Why is it so hot here?
Dr. Perry Ramsey (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
The earth has an interesting thermal management system. The surface and near-surface temperature is driven by the interaction of sunlight, atmospheric convection, and infrared radiation. We will look how these heat transport mechanisms affect the land right at our feet and think of how they work on larger scales.
2:30 PM- 3:30 PM, Mesquite Sand Dunes Moderate walk on uneven sand
The Brightness of the Void
Leslie Heid (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Join us on this evening walk as we explore the infinite rainbow that fills our cosmos. Mission Modeler Leslie Heid from JPL's Deep Space Network discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, how we see what stars are made of, and the advantages and disadvantages of different wavelengths for use in spacecraft communications. Optional items: chair/blanket.
8:30 PM- 9:30 PM, Zabriskie Point Short walk up a paved path with a ~17% grade
Astronomy Programs
Furnace Creek Star Party
Las Vegas Astronomical Society, NPS
Explore the night sky through telescopes directed at different planets, stars and more!
Ranger guided constellation tours on the half hour (7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM)
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Furnace Creek Airport
Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap
Cameron Hummels (California Institute of Technology)
Join Caltech Scientists for two 20-minute public astronomy talks and space-themed pub trivia over food and drinks at the Wildrose Tavern! All ages welcome.
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Wildrose Tavern, The Oasis at Death Valley
Astrophotography Meet-up
Stephanie Lamar (NPS)
An opportunity to photograph the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country. Astrophotography volunteers and rangers will be on hand to assist. A DSLR and tripod are essential to enjoy this session.
8:30PM-9:30PM, Harmony Borax Works
Family Program
Build A Mars Lander
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/NPS
Become a NASA engineer! Design, build, and land your own “spacecraft” on Mars. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caretaker.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM, White tent behind Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Exploration Fair
Explore the booths at the Exploration Fair to talk with scientists and participate in hands on activities.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard
Furnace Creek Auditorium Presentations
TBA
Dr. Luke Sollitt (NASA - Ames Research Center)
TBA
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Exploring New Technologies at NASA Ames
Dr. Vandana Jha (NASA - Ames Research Center)
Join us as we dive into the exciting work being done by the Flight Instrument Group at NASA Ames! This team is developing innovative tools like the Mars Sonic Anemometer, Saltation Sensor, Doppler Wind and Thermal Sounder, and the Nephelometer Experiment. While these projects aren't ready for space travel just yet, they are important steps toward future missions.
The goal of this research is to make sure these technologies can handle the tough conditions of space, such as strong vibrations during launch, exposure to radiation, and extreme temperatures. By testing these tools rigorously, we’re working to prepare them for future space missions. Come learn about how these advancements could help us explore the universe!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Astrophysicist Q&A
Dr. Cameron Hummels and Various (California Institute of Technology)
A panel of professional astronomers and astrophysicists from Caltech will field questions from the audience on all topics related to astronomy, physics, and space science. Join us and bring your burning questions about planets, stars, galaxies, life in the universe, black holes, science fiction, and more!
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Wind and frost driven activity in another very dry place - Mars!
Dr. Serina Diniega (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Present-day Mars is even drier than Death Valley, but a lot is still happening with surface changes driven by wind, frost, and gravity. This talk will showcase many examples of surface activity happening on the Red Planet now - such as massive creeping dunes, avalanches, and springtime explosive jets, along with how we see these changes and what scientists learn from it all.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Killer Dust from Outer Space
Dr. Caitlin Ahrens / Dr. Ramin Lolachi (NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center)
Uncover the wondrous and hazardous science that is dust on the Moon and Mars, and how we learn about dusty areas, like Death Valley, to help us understand dust dynamics at these far-off worlds! We’ll look at how dust is shiny, sharp, and electrifying; and how Artemis and Moon to Mars mission objectives will advance technologies to study and mitigate dust.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Furnace Creek Auditorium
Talks Around the Park
What does the history of life on Earth tell us about the possibility of life on Mars?
Dr. Michael Tuite (Astrobiologist)
Life on Earth emerged soon after the surface was cool enough to support liquid water, nearly four billion years ago. Ever since, the Earth and it's inhabitants have evolved together to produce the diverse biosphere and habitable environment we know today. In stark contrast, Mars today is a seemingly lifeless, frigid desert planet. Yet, early in their histories, Earth and Mar were more alike than they are today. Might life have emerged on early Mars like it did on Earth? How might we find out? The Perseverance rover is searching for signatures of life preserved in ancient Mars rocks with its onboard instruments and is collecting samples to return to Earth so that scientists around the world can address one of science's Big Questions: Is there life beyond Earth?
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Mars Hill Short walk on uneven ground with large rocks and an incline
Stardust all around us: cosmic origin stories on display in Death Valley
Dr. Kathryn Plant (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Stroll past the colorful rocks of Golden Canyon and learn how different elements in these minerals formed in the universe. Join this short hike to see elements that once emerged from the hearts of stars, from the Big Bang itself, and more.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Golden Canyon Short walk on an uneven surface
Ubehebe Crater: An Explosive Analog for Planetary Volcanism
Dr. Cherie Achilles (NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center)
Volcanism is a geologic process that connects many planetary bodies across the solar system. Come for a short walk to learn about the explosive eruptions that created Ubehebe Crater and how they can teach NASA scientists about the volcanic history of the Moon and Mars.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ubehebe Crater Short walk on the rim of the crater
A Search for Life in Unexpected Places
Dr. Caitlin Crawford (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
How can the extreme beauty and harshness of Death Valley’s Badwater Basin help unlock the secrets of life beyond Earth? Join us in exploring the surprising connections between this unique landscape and Europa, an icy moon of Jupiter. Discover how insights from Earth’s most extreme environments fuel NASA’s thrilling Europa Clipper mission and bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s greatest questions: Are we alone in the universe?
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Badwaer Basin
Why is it so hot here?
Dr. Perry Ramsey (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
The earth has an interesting thermal management system. The surface and near-surface temperature is driven by the interaction of sunlight, atmospheric convection, and infrared radiation. We will look how these heat transport mechanisms affect the land right at our feet and think of how they work on larger scales.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Mesquite Sand Dunes Moderate walk on uneven sand
The Brightness of the Void
Leslie Heid (NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Join us on this evening walk as we explore the infinite rainbow that fills our cosmos. Mission Modeler Leslie Heid from JPL's Deep Space Network discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, how we see what stars are made of, and the advantages and disadvantages of different wavelengths for use in spacecraft communications. Optional items: chair/blanket.
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Zabriskie Point Short walk up a paved path with a ~17% grade
Astronomy Programs
NPS
Explore the incredible night sky with a ranger! Bring a red flashlight to protect night vision. Optional items: binoculars and chair/blanket.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Furance Creek Visitor Center
Family Program
Build A Mars Lander
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/NPS
Become a NASA engineer! Design, build, and land your own “spacecraft” on Mars. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caretaker.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM, White tent behind Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Exploration Fair
Explore the booths at the Exploration Fair to talk with scientists and participate in hands on activities.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard
Where to stay.
Out of this world? Click here to find more information about lodging or camping.
Things to do
Don't beam here with no plans, click to find out what there is to do and see in between festival programs.
Accessibility Information
Haven't explored Death Valley yet? Trip plan with confidence - click to access our accessibility webpages.
Dark Sky Program Accessibility
Welcome to Death Valley National Park! Please be aware that the temperatures, weather, altitude, traffic, construction and road conditions in Death Valley may vary and change depending on the time of year. Before your visit, we suggest you check out our park website (road conditions and alerts), the National Weather Service’s forecast for the area of the park you plan to visit, and/or contact our team for current updates (deva_information@nps.gov).
Weather
Death Valley in the Spring can experience moderate, to slightly chilly, to hot temperatures.
Average February Temperatures: 73°F- 46°F or 23°C-8°C.
Record February Temperatures: 98°F-21°F or 37°F- -6°F.
Other Weather Conditions: Can experience possible light showers; frequent wind/dust storms with winds that could reach up to 50 mph or 80 kmh
Altitude: Altitude throughout the park and along the main roads can drastically change from -127ft/-39m below sea level to 5,000ft/1,829m in elevation.
Cellular Signal and Wi-Fi
Cellular signal and Wi-Fi capabilities are weak. Please keep this in mind if you use any Wi-Fi enabled medical devices.
Call 911
If it is an emergency and if you have cell signal, call 911. Death Valley has its own EMT first responders.
First Aid Room
Located at Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center. Speak to a Ranger for access.
Intermountain Healthcare Pahrump InstaCare Clinic (Urgent Care)
1397 S Loop Road, Pahrump, NV 89048
(775) 727-5500
8AM-8PM
Desert View Hospital
360 S Lola Lane, Pahrump, NV 89048
(775) 751-7500
24/7
Interpretation for American Sign Language available upon request.
Please email our team at deva_information@nps.gov at least 2 weeks in advance.
Parking
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6 accessible parking spaces; 4 uncovered, 2 covered
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Curb cuts to main entrance and throughout the parking lot
Facility
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2 accessible restroom stalls, and 1 private, accessible family restroom
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Automatic door opener for front and back patio doors
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Accessible auditorium, patio and museum
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Paved, flat surfaces throughout auditorium, patio and museum
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Assistive listening devices available; please speak to a ranger at the front desk
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Wheelchair available for loan
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3 benches by the restroom
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5 picnic non-accessible tables
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11 benches in the courtyard
Auditorium
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Double door entry, double door exit, and single door exit
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4 single-sized areas and 2 double-sized areas for mobile assistance devices in seating zone
Parking
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6 Accessible Parking Spaces; 4 uncovered, 2 covered
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Curb cuts to main entrance and throughout the parking lot
Facility
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2 accessible restroom stalls with bars, and 1 private, accessible, family restroom
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3 benches by the restroom
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5 picnic tables
Courtyard
Golden Canyon
- Scenic hiking trail; not viewable from the car
- 1 accessible parking space at Golden Canyon Traillhead
- Steep--assistance may be necessary, area is rocky and uneven with several natural, rock steps.
Badwater Basin
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Scenic viewpoint with boardwalk and optional, walkable salt flat trail Not easily viewed from car
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3 accessible parking spaces
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Accessible vault toilets
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Ramp and boardwalk to the edge of Badwater Pool
- Ramp from end of boardwalk onto salt flats (please be aware of holes in salt flats)
Zabriskie Point
- Scenic viewpoint; Steep, paved grade to approach the viewpoint; 3 rest stops at viewpoints; Not easily viewed from car
- 2 accessible parking spaces
- Accessible 2 vault toilets
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
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Scenic Viewpoint and optional hikeable, deep sand beyond viewing area
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Can be viewed from car
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Access to dunes is rocky and uneven; Dune hike includes deep sand
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4 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
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Accessible vault restroom
Ubehebe Crater
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Scenic Viewpoint and optional uneven, rocky and strenuous, hikeable pathway up and around the crater or descending into the crater
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Can be viewed from car or viewpoint
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2 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
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Restrooms not accessible or near viewpoint
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Closest restroom at Grapevine Ranger Station 5.8mi/9.3km or 17 minutes south of viewpoint on the North Highway
Harmony Borax Works
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Interpretive trail ¼ of a mile/0.4km long
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Partially paved surface with small sections of sand, gravel, broken pavement, and gradual uneven dips
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Moderate grade-- assistance may be necessary
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Cannot be viewed or accessed from car
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2 accessible parking spaces
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Restrooms are not accessible or near trailhead
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Closest restroom at Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center 1.8mi/2.3km or 4 minutes southeast of trail on the 190 highway.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
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Scenic Viewpoint and optional hike, deep sand beyond viewing area
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Can be viewed from car
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Access to dunes is rocky and uneven; Dune hike includes deep sand
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4 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
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Accessible vault restroom
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Parking
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6 accessible parking spaces; 4 uncovered, 2 covered
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Curb cuts to main entrance and throughout the parking lot
Facility
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2 accessible restroom stalls, and 1 private, accessible family restroom
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Paved, flat surfaces to viewing area
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Assistive listening devices available; please speak to a ranger at the front desk
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3 benches by the restroom
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No chairs available at viewing locaiton
Parking
-
6 Accessible Parking Spaces; 4 uncovered, 2 covered
-
Curb cuts to main entrance and throughout the parking lot
Facility
-
2 accessible restroom stalls with bars, and 1 private, accessible, family restroom
-
3 benches by the restroom
-
5 picnic tables
Courtyard
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Outdoor and indoor (via automatic door openers) access to area
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Paved, flat surfaces throughout
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11 benches in the courtyard
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4 shade awnings
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