Join NPCA for an evening of dark sky celebration and education!

View one of the darkest night skies in the eastern United States by attending a ranger-led astronomy program at Big Cypress National Preserve. The Preserve is the first national park site east of Colorado designated by the International Dark-Sky Association as an International Dark Sky Place.

You will enjoy the splendor of the Milky Way and see a night-sky strewn with thousands of stars with only the naked eye. Presentations will include constellation tours and (weather permitting) telescope viewing of stars, star clusters, planets, nebulae and galaxies.

Dark skies are essential natural, scientific, cultural and economic resources. National parks, including Big Cypress National Preserve, are home to some of the last remaining dark skies in the country and are committed to protecting the night sky resource.

Event Details

WHAT: NPCA Dark Skies Centennial Event at Big Cypress National Preserve

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6 - 7 p.m.

WHERE: Big Cypress National Preserve Welcome Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141. (Located east of SR 29, between MM 73 and 74 on US41.)

RSVP: For questions, or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Swaby at cswaby@npca.org.

OTHER INFO: Outdoor seating will not be available and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets if seating is desired. NPCA will have a separate area where we will provide light snacks and drinks. Night temperatures can be cool and mosquitoes may be present. You should be prepared for all weather conditions. Pants, long sleeve shirts or jackets and bug spray are recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring a red-light flashlight or headlamp for walking to and from the viewing area. You are welcome to bring personal binoculars and telescopes.