Merritt Reservoir, NB USA
Experience the Milky Way Like Never Before at the Nebraska Star Party
An estimated one-third of the human population has never seen the Milky Way due to light pollution. However, you can experience the awe and splendor of one of nature's most amazing sights at one of Explore Scientific's favorite events: the Nebraska Star Party.
Held each year during a new moon (usually in August) in Nebraska's Sandhills Region, the astronomical views from Merritt Reservoir’s Snake Campground are jaw-dropping. With true 'Bortle Class 1' skies, the darkness is so profound that you may become disoriented by the thousands of stars, initially making it difficult to pick out familiar constellations. In the absence of artificial light, the Milky Way's glow can be so bright that it casts shadows.
The Nebraska Star Party: A Must-Attend Event
John Johnson, a veteran amateur astronomer and organizer of one of the finest star parties in the world, visited Explore Scientific to pick up door prizes for the event and spent some time with Scott Roberts. Together, they explain why the Nebraska Star Party is a must-attend event for any amateur astronomer, offering something for everyone, from rank beginners to serious experts.
Watch this video to learn how to prepare for any star party, including rules and etiquette, safety and comfort tips, and what it's like to experience ultra-dark skies.
Discover the Darkest Skies in North America
Under some of the darkest skies in North America, the Nebraska Star Party (NSP) is held once a year at the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in the Snake Campground, located in Nebraska's beautiful Sandhills region, a National Natural Landmark. Situated in a picturesque valley of the Snake River, 26 miles southwest of Valentine, Merritt Reservoir offers some of Nebraska's best stargazing. Astronomers often report seeing their faint shadow cast by the light of the Milky Way. Along with other outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping (RV or tent), NSP offers the rare opportunity to sit back and take in a pristine night sky with the safety of a group of like-minded people. This event is perfect for the entire family, with hundreds of astronomers attending, from beginners to experts.
Featured Activities
In addition to astronomy, the center of activity at NSP is the large tent on the Observing Field near the entrance to the Snake Campground. Here, you can enjoy meals, nighttime constellation talks, and door prize giveaways. On Tuesday evening, NSP provides a free "Cattle Country" burger dinner to attendees. The observing grounds cater to both visual astronomers and astrophotographers of all abilities. The lineup of speakers at the annual NSP reads like a "who's who" of the astronomical community.
Door Prizes
There are many door prizes from various companies available to official attendees of the event. As an official Explore Alliance Affiliate Organization, Explore Scientific engages with NSP through a special contribution program.
Public Outreach
NSP also hosts a night of public outreach where visitors from around the region can share the experience. By sharing the view through your telescope, you will experience the rewarding joy of helping others explore the universe, thereby improving scientific literacy in the world.
- Don't have a telescope? Check out the FirstLight Series from Explore Scientific
- Everyone needs a Planisphere and a Red Flashlight. Famed celestial cartographer Wil Tirion designed the star disk of Explore Scientific's new planisphere for northern hemisphere use.
- www.nebraskastarparty.org
- www.explorescientific.com/nsp