*Weather Permitting!
The stars at night are big and bright! Come see them even better with expert and amateur astronomers alike! The public is invited to safely observe the sky using electronically-assisted astronomy setups. We’ll have astronomy talks, telescopes, and constellation tours. Bring your binoculars if you have them, and we’ll help you use them to observe. PLEASE READ BELOW:
- To Attend this event - You need two things. A Star Pass, and a Day Pass. (Campers see below)
- STAR PASS - Fill out this form below and you'll receive a confirmation email that will be your Star Pass. This pass does not cost anything, but there are limited number of them.
- Day Pass- Free with the Texas State Park Pass, or $6 per adult. Required to enter the park normally. You can purchase these online at our website, or pay at the park using exact cash change.
- Campers do not need either of the above. Your camping pass you get at the park headquarters will serve as both the Day pass and Star Pass!
Event Starts: 7:30pm and goes till 10:30pm
- The Star Theater is located in the same area as the Wildlife Viewing area (bird blinds) and the equestrian trailheads. Parking is available in the field behind the bird blinds. Please park with headlights facing AWAY from the astronomers who will be on the side of the field with the tall barn.
- Accessibility: The parking area is a dirt and grass field that is mostly level. There is a packed gravel path from this area to the Star Theater that is about 250 feet long. Seating is available (stone benches) at the Star Theater. Telescopes will be set up near the Star Theater in the level dirt/grass field surrounding it. Porta-potties are available in the parking field, but no running water is available in this area.
- Please no lights or cell phones once you enter the viewing area. Each time you look at your cell phone or a blueish light you lose your night vision for up to 40 minutes. This makes it very hard to see the stars even with a telescope!
- If you bring a flashlight, make sure it's a soft red light or has a red filter on it. Normal lights can mess up your natural night vision and interfere with the telescopes.
- Dogs will NOT be allowed in the viewing area, but are allowed in the parking lot.
- No Smoking in the viewing area. Smoking allowed in the parking lot.
- Many of the telescopes/equipment are owned and operated by these astronomers, so please don't touch the equipment unless it's OK with them. Walk on up to any of the scopes and ask what they're looking at! They'll all be happy to share.
- This event is weather permitting. If it's just cloudy we'll still be out there, but rain will force us to cancel the event. Look for updates on our Facebook page.
- There is no running water at the Star Theater but there are portapotties. Restrooms and drinking water can be found at the Falls Parking lot, Picnic Area Parking lot, and Swimming Area Parking lot.
TO RSVP: Fill out the survey at the bottom of this page.
Day Pass: Park Website
- Do you want to bring your own stargazing equipment? You are welcome to! However you must have the same day pass as other attendees to enter the Park. If you want to volunteer your equipment just as the other Astronomers are, please contact Stephen.Garmon@tpwd.texas.gov to apply as a volunteer.