Gaze at Night Sky with Tarleton State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 9, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The 20th annual North Texas Skywatch Star Party takes place Saturday, Oct. 28, at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, approximately 40 miles north of Stephenville.
Hosted by the park and Tarleton State University’s Dr. Mike Hibbs, associate professor of physics and astronomy, this family friendly event begins at 7 p.m. and continues as long as observers desire.
Guests will gather at Lone Star Amphitheater to learn about astronomy and view the night sky through a variety of telescopes. At sunset, party hosts will provide an astronomy slide presentation to kick off the evening’s activities.
The annual star party provides North Texas residents a nearby meeting place and dark sky location to gather and stargaze, Hibbs said.
“I hope that all of those with telescopes can stay and share views, or knowledge of astronomy, with those wanting a chance to learn and see for the first time,” he added.
Cost to attend is the normal state park admission fee ($7 for adults; children 12 and under are free), payable at the park’s entrance. Guests can camp in the park overnight and are encouraged to come early to enjoy nature and have a cookout. The park gate is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information about park fees and campsite availability, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells. For questions about the star party, contact Hibbs at hibbs@tarleton.edu or David Owens at Lake Mineral Wells State Park at 940-328-1171 or david.owens@tpwd.texas.gov.
Tarleton, celebrating 100 years as founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. As a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) with campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, leadership, excellence and service.
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Contact: Dr. Mike Hibbs, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
254-968-9460
hibbs@tarleton.edu
