NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS
OUR SOLAR SYSTEM PROGRAM
This program is timed for when the moon is wonderfully visible in the early night sky. That makes it so we can enjoy the moon and several planets along with some deep sky objects that are beyond our galaxy that we can see with the telescopes. We hope you will appreciate how rare this opportunity is and how fortunate you are to experience it. Treasure it, along with experiencing an area where the ancient people actually lived and daily and nightly walked around.
There are three parts to our program starting with a live brief history of Chimney Rock, followed by a video presentation about the ancient people and explaining why astronomy was such an important part of their lives. The third part of the program is a recorded power point presentation that gives understanding of our solar system. There will also be interesting details about our moon.
STARS & GALAXIES PROGRAM
This program is timed for when the moon is not visible in the early night sky. That makes it so we can enjoy the darkest sky possible with the greatest number of stars visible (all from the Milky Way Galaxy) and then some deep sky objects that are beyond our galaxy that we can see with the telescopes. We hope you will appreciate how rare this opportunity is and how fortunate you are to experience it. Treasure it, along with experiencing an area where the ancient people actually lived and daily and nightly walked around.
There are three parts to our program starting with a live brief history of Chimney Rock, followed by a video presentation about the ancient people and explaining why astronomy was such an important part of their lives. The third part of the program is a recorded power point presentation that gives understanding of deep-sky objects such as binary stars, globular star clusters, open cluster, various nebulae, and other galaxies. The program includes basic astronomy that will prepare you for what we will be seeing through our telescopes. Everyone bring your questions, fold up chairs, a flashlight, blankets or pillows to the Hura Dura, or paved viewing and seating area. Visitors bringing their own telescope need to inform the Parking Attendant so you can be directed to the telescope area
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Everyone bring your questions, fold up chairs, a flashlight, blankets or pillows to the Hura Dura, or paved viewing and seating area. . Remember that at this altitude the nights begin to cool rapidly after sunset, so an appropriate jacket and sweater will enable you to remain comfortable while you enjoy the majesty of the night sky at Chimney Rock.
TICKETS
Tickets are $16 (ages 13 and up), $8 (ages 5-12), under 5 free, and are considered a non-refundable, non-transferable donation. A booking fee applies to each ticket purchased online or through the call center. Making a reservation through the call center or website is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. Most programs are at full capacity prior to the event, but we will accommodate walk-ins if space is available. Booking fees do not apply to walk-ins.

OUR SOLAR SYSTEM DATES:
- May 26: Check-in: 7:15 – 7:30 PM. Program: 8:45PM
- June 23: Check-in: 7:30 – 7:45 PM. Program: 9:00 PM
- July 21: Check-in: 7:30 – 7:45 PM. Program: 9:00 PM
- August 25: Check-in: 6:45 – 7:00 PM. Program: 8:15 PM
STARS & GALAXIES DATES:
- May 19: Check-in: 7:15 – 7:30 PM. Program: 8:45PM
- June 16: Check-in: 7:30 – 7:45 PM. Program: 9:00 PM
- July 14: Check-in: 7:30 – 7:45 PM. Program: 9:00 PM
- August 18: Check-in: 7:00 – 7:15 PM. Program: 8:30 PM