Join the Mobile Earth + Space Observatory (MESO), Dark Sky Salida, & GARNA for a Star Party at the Valley View Nature Learning Center! We will learn about the night skies while experimenting with solar and celestial telescopes, spectroscopy, infrared cameras, an augmented reality sand table, and gravity wells from MESO’s mobile observatory. This event is for all ages!
Bring a picnic dinner (and blankets/chairs) and explore Star Party exhibits from 5:30-8:30 PM on October 17th. Due to limited parking at the Valley View Nature Learning Center, please carpool and plan to park alongside CR-140 or at the Salida Regional Airport (9255 Co Rd 140, Salida, CO 81201). GARNA will run a shuttle between the Valley View Nature Learning Center and the airport, with vans shuttling to and from the airport starting at 5:30 PM until 8:50 PM.
MESO, the Mobile Earth + Space Observatory, is an environmental and space science laboratory outfitted with hands-on educational and research instrumentation supporting activities focused on weather, climate, astronomy and renewable energy. The goal for this ‘science center on wheels’ is to engage the public in scientific inquiry and allow them to engage with authentic science first-hand, experience what it means to be a scientist, and have a realistic exposure of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) pathway.
Learn more about Dark Sky Salida at their presentation at the Valley View Nature Learning Center on 10/22 .
Dark Sky Salida, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to preserve the nighttime environment by educating the populace about the dangers of light pollution. Light pollution not only inhibits our ability to see the night sky, but also negatively impacts wildlife, human health, and the climate. Dark Sky Salida hopes to build a local “lights out” culture by helping the the Salida community build codes and lighting standards for residences, commercial operations, and city buildings that are dark-sky compliant. Visit https://darksky.org/ and come to Dark Sky Salida’s presentation on 10/22 to learn more about the international dark sky movement, the consequences of light pollution, and how you can retrofit your outdoor lighting to be dark sky compliant!
Many GARNA programs require a Liability Release Form be filled out each calendar year.
Your registration is secured upon receipt of payment, as long as there space is still available in a program. If you prefer not to register online (recommended), you may mail a check, made out to “GARNA” to the address below or stop by the office. Please include a note with the program you are registering for. Be aware, some programs sell out quickly, and we cannot confirm your spot with a mailed registration.
PO Box 1522
Salida CO 81201
Cancellation policy:
If we are notified of your need to cancel by 24 hours of program date, your program fee will be refunded except for a $3.00 administrative fee. No refunds within 24 hours or after the event (but most events are transferable). If minimum enrollment has not been met 2 days before program date, programs will be cancelled and we will refund the full amount.