This Dark Sky Observations course is a partnership with Antelope Island State Park and will take place September 3-5, 2024 within the park. The schedule will be as follows: Tuesday 1pm-11pm, Wednesday 12:30pm-11pm, and Thursday 10am-3:30pm. A campsite has been reserved for the class for overnight stay.
You will be given access to the Dark Sky Observations online course 6 weeks before the start of the field course - you will be required to complete this course before attending the field course.
This is an adult education program that is open to participants 18 years of age and older. Exceptions for teens as young as 15 may be made if a parent/guardian is also registering for the course. Please email utahmasternaturalist@usu.edu if you would like to bring a child as young as 15.
Course Description
Dark Skies are a critical component for many species here on earth to thrive. In this Dark Sky Observations course, you will explore the solar system, learn about the planets, stars, constellations, and the ways that we can help protect our dark skies. You'll also have an opportunity to learn how to operate a telescope as we observe the night sky.
Dark Sky Observations was created to help meet the growing demand for trained staff and volunteers to provide dark sky programs for astrotourism. The course is the result of years of work by several cooperating agencies, including Cedar Breaks National Monument that developed the Master Astronomer Program, Utah State Parks, and Utah Master Naturalist.
Each Utah Master Naturalist course consists of 40 hours of instruction, with approximately 16 hours covered in the online course, and the remaining 24 hours spent outdoors in a field course. Field course activities will include instructor-led discussions, guest presentations on relevant resource issues, small group activities, and open discussions. Class size is small to maximize your opportunities for learning and having fun!
Course Materials
All course materials are available for download here . It is highly recommended that you read them before the start of the course.
There are not hard copies of the manual at this time.
Course Fees
The $250 registration fee covers the cost of both the online course and the field course. If you have previously completed the online portion of this course, email utahmasternaturalist@usu.edu before you register for this course to receive a discount code. USU credit is no longer available for Utah Master Naturalist courses. There is an opportunity to earn 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Utah State University for an additional recording fee of $120. If you would like to receive this credit, please indicate so on the order form at checkout.
Cancellation & Refunds
If you cancel at least two weeks prior to the start of the course, you will be refunded your course registration, less a $30 administrative fee. Canceling less than two weeks prior to the course results in a refund of 50% of the registration fee (less processing fees). We are unable to issue any refund if a registered participant is a no-show at the start of the course. Cancellation & refund requests can be sent to utahmasternaturalist@usu.edu.
