Annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival

Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival 2026

August 14th

Daytime Activities
Stargazing the Sun: A Solar Scope Spectacular
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Discover the intricate details of the Sun’s surface, witness mesmerizing solar flares, and learn about the science behind our solar system’s powerhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or new to astronomy, this event promises an enlightening and awe-inspiring journey into the heart of our solar system.Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Make a Stomp Rocket
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Create a rocket from a pool noodle – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther! Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Night Explorer Junior Ranger
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Junior Rangers will learn how to find the North Star, write their own creative mythology about the constellations, track the phases of the moon, learn about stars and galaxies, use all their senses to explore the night environment at a national park, and earn a junior ranger badge.Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Bentonite: the Cosmic Origins of the North Dakota Badlands with Matt Craig
4:30pm – 5:30pm
The celestial objects you see in the nighttime sky seem completely disconnected from the buttes you climb on during the day. It turns out, though, that the buttes are made from materials produced in long-dead stars. Join us for an exploration of the cosmic history of the badlands and its relation to the views you will see at the nighttime star viewing. Location: South Unit Visitor Center Theatre

Evening ActivitiesStargazing
8:45pm – 11:30PM
Volunteers point their telescopes at some of the night sky’s most beautiful sights. White-light flashlights are prohibited due to their negative impact on night vision.Location: Peaceful Valley Ranch (South Unit Scenic Drive mile 7)

August 15th

Stargazing the Sun: A Solar Scope Spectacular
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Discover the intricate details of the Sun’s surface, witness mesmerizing solar flares, and learn about the science behind our solar system’s powerhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or new to astronomy, this event promises an enlightening and awe-inspiring journey into the heart of our solar system.Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Marshmallow Constellations
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Create your own edible “Marshmellow Constellation”! Using toothpicks and marshmallows, we’ll build tasty models of constellations while learning about the stories behind the stars. Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Night Explorer Junior Ranger
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Junior Rangers will learn how to find the North Star, write their own creative mythology about the constellations, track the phases of the moon, learn about stars and galaxies, use all their senses to explore the night environment at a national park, and earn a junior ranger badge.Location: South Unit Visitor Center Lawn

Planetary Nebulae – Celestial Jewels in the Night Sky with Bryon Grove
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Planetary nebulae are some of the most exquisite and fascinating objects decorating our night sky. They often display brilliant colors and complex shapes when viewed through moderate to large telescopes. Amateur astronomer Bryon Grove will introduce park visitors to what planetary nebulae are, how they form, the history surrounding their discovery, and the diversity of forms that they take. The evening telescope viewing will give visitors a chance to see some of the best known members of this group of celestial objects.

Evening ActivitiesStargazing
8:45pm – 11:30pm
Volunteers point their telescopes at some of the night sky’s most beautiful sights. White-light flashlights are prohibited due to their negative impact on night vision.Location: Peaceful Valley Ranch (South Unit Scenic Drive mile 7)