STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
It’s hard to find a better place for looking at the night sky than Joshua Tree National Park. Ranger Pam Tripp tells us what to look for…
Star gazers know that crucial elements for viewing are a clear night and a dark location. Joshua Tree National Park has both.So be sure to pack the binoculars on your next camping trip or evening drive through the park. At this time of year you can see the brightest object in the sky, the planet Jupiter, while before sunset you can also spot the planet Venus. The constellation Orion is also prominent in the night sky, with its three star belt and sword, which contains the Orion Nebula. Above the Constellation Orion, you can see the Pleiades, an open cluster of about 500 stars, found within the constellation Taurus. It is known in Greek mythology as the Seven Sisters, and its Japanese name is Subaru, which is seen in the logo of some vehicles. For more information on the park’s night sky programs or daytime solar astronomy viewing, call the Park at 760-367-5500. Happy stargazing!
STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
