Distance
0.25 Miles
Elevation Gain
0 Feet
Difficulty
Easy
Cost Per Person Members Course
Free for Members
Program Overview
*Members Course: Becoming a member grants you access to this Glacier Institute educational day program for free!
October 17 from 7 – 10 PM: Join us for an unforgettable evening of stargazing and discovery under the breathtaking skies of Columbia Falls! Our newly launched location sets the perfect backdrop for this immersive, hands-on astronomy course, designed for both curious beginners and passionate skywatchers alike. From 7 PM to 10 PM, you’ll explore the wonders of the night sky, learn how to navigate constellations, and gain practical experience with telescopes and other tools of the trade. Whether you’re looking to spark a new hobby or deepen your cosmic curiosity, this evening promises inspiration, education, and awe.
Stargazing: An Introduction to Astronomy
Hike Overview Continued
*Members Course: Becoming a member grants you access to this Glacier Institute educational day program for free!
Meeting Place: 7450 Hwy 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Itinerary: We will meet at our nature center property at 7 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. The course will conclude around 10 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 ‘2025 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 our nature center property at 7 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. The course will conclude around 10 p.m.
* Trails listed are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
Meeting Place: 7450 Hwy 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
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.