Star Party On Lakota Constellations Tonight At Chadron State Park – Weather Permitting

EDITORS NOTE – WITH A FORECAST THAT INCLUDES A HIGH WIND WARNING AND A 40% CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, THE STAR PARTY MIGHT BE CANCELLED. A DECISION WILL BE RELEASED AT 7:00

    The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is hosting a star party tonight at dusk at Chadron State Park in conjunction with its new exhibit on how the Lakota and other Native American tribes looked at the night sky.

       Sandoz Center director Laure Sinn says everyone is familiar with some constellations, nearly all named and defined by the Ancient Greeks, but few people know the Native American counterparts of those sky figures – hence the new exhibit.

Holly Counts says Kapemni consists of 14 paintings on constellations and explanations of each.

Dr Tawny Tibbets, officially an Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences, is excited to be able to bring the Lakota version of the night sky to the general public.

Dr Tibbetts says tonight’s Star Party at the Black Hills Overlook should be a great opportunity to see not only the constellations featured in Kapemni, but also many other stellar objects.

The Star Party is free, but a state park entry permit is required. 

       Tibbets will be leading another Star Party connected with the exhibit July 28, but south of Harrison at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

       The Sandoz Center is open during the summer  Mon-THursday 1o:00-noon and 1-4:00 and on Friday from 10:00-noon. Admission is free.