Amy Grisak

For the Tribune

For a unique Glacier experience, plan to attend one of the four star parties hosted throughout the season.

Four dates are set — July 29, Aug. 5 and 26, and Sept. 9 — where star gazers meet at Logan Pass to view the Milky Way from a spectacular perspective.

While the event is free, you need to have a ticket to be able to attend since parking is limited at Logan Pass. Mark Paulson, president of the Big Sky Astronomy Club in Kalispell, said, “One ticket will allow one vehicle to enter. They’re made available (at the Apgar Transit Center or St. Mary Visitor Center) a few days before the event. They go really quickly.”

Stars above Glacier Park captivate

Paulson said the 400-500 stargazers are broken into groups to learn about the constellations and specific features through the telescopes with the guidance of National Park Service personnel and club members until 1 a.m. Be sure to dress warmly as even summer nights are chilly at this elevation.

Besides the Star Parties at Logan Pass, Paulson said, “The Park Service also puts on a summer long astronomy program.”

Seasonal visiting astronomers offer sky and star watching five days a week at Apgar Transit Center and the St. Mary Visitor Center to view the sun with special filters during the day and the stars at night. He said their members often help on the weekends.

Glacier is such a unique place when it comes to the night skies that is applied for the Dark-Sky Designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.

“They don’t get any darker,” said Paulson. “There is absolutely no sky glow.”

Margie Steigerwald, acting public affairs specialist for Glacier National Park, said this will be the first international designation if they are approved.