August 2026 Night Sky Explorer Patch Program
Learn how to use a telescope and find constellations, learn about nocturnal wildlife and how to save our night sky from light pollution.
Join the Travis County Parks Foundation and earn your Night Sky Explorer Patch! Get to know your Travis County Parks at night! Registration is required. Please register to reserve your spot.
We will meet for 2 hours starting near sunset.
To earn your patch, you will:
- Learn how to use a telescope to find celestial objects
- Learn the basics of observational astronomy
- Learn how to find constellations
- Hear a star story
- Learn about impacts of light pollution
- Be at citizen scientist and participate in the Globe at Night citizen scientist campaign
- Learn about Dark Sky Places and night sky friendly lighting
- Go on a night hike and learn about nocturnal wildlife
If storms are in the forecast the day of the event, we will notify you by email at least two hours prior to the start time to let you know if the event will be rescheduled.
Don't miss out on this stellar opportunity to learn and be amazed under the night sky!
Registration is required. Please register to reserve your spot.
The night hike portion is wheelchair accessible at this park.
Please arrive early for time to park and settle in. We will begin promptly at 6:00 pm
For more night sky events, visit traviscountyparksfoundation.org or follow us on instagram or facebook: heartoftcparks
Learn how to use a telescope and find constellations, learn about nocturnal wildlife and how to save our night sky from light pollution.
Join the Travis County Parks Foundation and earn your Night Sky Explorer Patch! Get to know your Travis County Parks at night! Registration is required. Please register to reserve your spot.
We will meet for 2 hours starting near sunset.
To earn your patch, you will:
- Learn how to use a telescope to find celestial objects
- Learn the basics of observational astronomy
- Learn how to find constellations
- Hear a star story
- Learn about impacts of light pollution
- Be at citizen scientist and participate in the Globe at Night citizen scientist campaign
- Learn about Dark Sky Places and night sky friendly lighting
- Go on a night hike and learn about nocturnal wildlife
If storms are in the forecast the day of the event, we will notify you by email at least two hours prior to the start time to let you know if the event will be rescheduled.
Don't miss out on this stellar opportunity to learn and be amazed under the night sky!
Registration is required. Please register to reserve your spot.
The night hike portion is wheelchair accessible at this park.
Please arrive early for time to park and settle in. We will begin promptly at 6:00 pm
For more night sky events, visit traviscountyparksfoundation.org or follow us on instagram or facebook: heartoftcparks
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- under 14 with parent or legal guardian
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Park Drive
Austin, TX 78734
How do you want to get there?
