The Black Hills National Forest will hold its final Moon Walk program of the year with an astronomy night just north of Deerfield Reservoir on Saturday, September 8th at 7:00 p.m. This ½ to ¾ mile round trip hike on a two track road with little elevation gain will take place in Slate Prairie.
Featured speakers Dr. Brianna Mount and Dr. Dan Durben, physics faculty at Black Hills State University, will discuss constellations visible in the September night sky. Participants will learn tricks to finding and identifying constellations such as Pegasus, Ursa Majora and Bootes, as well as other stars, like the Summer Triangle and Polaris. Two 8” telescopes will be set up and used during the presentation. These will be used to get a closer look at planets and galaxies in the fall sky. Many night sky objects can also been seen through binoculars. A few binoculars will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Downloading mobile applications for smart phones helps visitors connect with the forest and understand the topic. The featured mobile app this month is called “Star Chart”. The app is free and it allows users to point their phones up at the night sky and easily identify constellations and stars without the use of any cellular data.
To reach the Moon Walk, start at the Hill City Exxon Station (201 Main Street, Hill City) travel west on the Deerfield Road for 10.2 miles (14 minutes), then turn north (right) onto Slate Prairie Road for 1.8 miles (4 minutes), to arrive at Golden West Road and the parking area for the Moon Walk. Signs will be posted at major intersections to guide visitors to the parking area. Wildlife and raptors are commonly seen along this route so give yourself enough time to enjoy the forest.
Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights, water, and bug repellant and dress for cooler evening temperatures. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety while hiking on uneven terrain.
The program may be cancelled unexpectedly for unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger forecasts and other reasons beyond control. The program will not be cancelled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. Please arrive early to aid in parking, as over 125 visitors per walk have been attending the programs.
The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association is selling ‘Black Hills Moon Walk’ collector pins. This year’s pin, 1.125-inches in diameter, features a Great Horned Owl hunting in the forest. A different designed pin is anticipated each year. You can purchase the inaugural “2018 Black Hills Moon Walk” pin, for $5.00 (cash only), at a Moon Walk program. Your purchase of this pin will directly support the Moon Walk and other educational programs.
The Black Hills National Forest announces the Moon Walk interpretive program schedule for the 2018 season. In its 23rd year, Forest visitors will explore the importance of fire, reptiles and amphibians, botany, bugling bulls and learn about the stars in the night sky above the Forest.
Speakers include The Nature Conservancy, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and the Black Hills National Forest.
Moon Walks are held on a Saturday night close to the official full moon and begin at 7:00 p.m. Most programs last for 1-2 hours and visitors walk an average of 1 mile round trip. As each Moon Walk nears, specific directions to individual programs will be posted on the Black Hills National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or call (605) 343-1567.
2018 Moon Walk Schedule
September 8 – Star Gazing
This walk is located in the central Black Hills. Be ready to be guided through the universe by a physics professor from Black Hills State University. Telescopes will be set up for you to explore the night sky during this September “New Moon” night.
