Event Registration - Nebraska Academy of Sciences
NAS/Nebraska Star Party Astro-tourism Field Trip
7/15/2026 - 7/16/20267:00 AM CST
Location: Meet at Valentine High School , 431 North Green Street, Valentine, NE 69201
Event Description
NAS, in partnership with the Nebraska Star Party, is pleased to introduce an opportunity for NAS members and Members of the public to experience the breathtaking beauty of the night sky at Merritt Reservoir in the Nebraska Sand hills. Merritt Reservoir is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and is considered one of the best locations in the world to observe the night sky. Merritt Reservoir is the first location in Nebraska to be given the International Dark Sky certification byt the International Dark-Sky Association. This designation promises unparalleled stargazing. Attendees to previous Star Parties at this location have said that "the sky is so dark that the Milky Way casts a shadow". The NAS Scientific lead on this project will be President-Elect Joel Berrier, and there will be additional speakers and Astronomers on-site to share high powered telescopes, and their knowledge of the night sky.
If there is enough interest, a 12-passenger Van will be available for transport from Lincoln to Valentine for the event. Similarly, a 12-passenger van can be available from Kearney to Valentine, if there are enough interested in riding together.
We will be camping at the Observation Field, offering you a full night (or however long your choose to stay up) of stargazing and networking. Bring your own camping supplies, or borrow some from NAS and come explore Astro-tourism with us!
If there is enough interest, a 12-passenger Van will be available for transport from Lincoln to Valentine for the event. Similarly, a 12-passenger van can be available from Kearney to Valentine, if there are enough interested in riding together.
We will be camping at the Observation Field, offering you a full night (or however long your choose to stay up) of stargazing and networking. Bring your own camping supplies, or borrow some from NAS and come explore Astro-tourism with us!