Distance
0.25 Miles
Elevation Gain
0 Feet
Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Cost Per Person
$0
Program Overview
*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all Glacier Institute educational day programs for free!
November 1 from 6 – 9 PM: Join us for an immersive evening of astronomy under the stunning skies of Glacier National Park! This hands-on course, running from 6 PM to 9 PM, is designed for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Participants will explore the wonders of the universe while surrounded by this International Dark Sky park’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Stargazing in Glacier: An Introduction to Astronomy
Hike Overview Continued
*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all Glacier Institute educational day programs for free!
Meeting Place: Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar Village, 236 Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936
Itinerary: We will meet at Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar at 6 p.m. for an introduction and orientation to the course. In the first hour, we will cover an introduction to astronomy and cosmology, then go into a hands-on activity that will help familiarize ourselves with the solar system. Once it has gotten dark, we will head outside and look at the night sky with two different telescopes: one more traditional in nature and the other a newer, electronic telescope. The course will conclude around 9 p.m.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
Academic Credit: Please see our ‘2024 Academic Credit’ link on our website to learn about OPI credits for our courses.
Equipment: Please be sure to bring warm clothing, blankets, snacks, water, binoculars, a folding chair, and if possible, a red light flashlight.
Physical Requirements: Accessible/Easy
Recommended Reading:
- NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe – Terence Dickinson (Sept 2023)
- The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide – Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer (Sept 2021)
- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry – Neil deGrasse Tyson (May 2017)
What to Expect On Your Stargazing in Glacier
We will meet at Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar at 6 p.m. for an introduction and orientation to the course. In the first hour, we will cover an introduction to astronomy and cosmology, then go into a hands-on activity that will help familiarize ourselves with the solar system. Once it has gotten dark, we will head outside and look at the night sky with two different telescopes: one more traditional in nature and the other a newer, electronic telescope. The course will conclude around 9 p.m.
* Any trails listed on this program or others are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
Meeting Place: Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar Village, 236 Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
What to Bring
Please be sure to bring warm clothing, blankets, snacks, water, binoculars, a folding chair, and if possible, a red light flashlight.