Sponsoring Program: Barton Warnock Visitor Center

Big Bend Ranch State Park is now a Gold-tier Dark Sky Park recognized by the International Dark Sky Association. This designation means that the night sky over BBRSP has not been affected by light pollution and is dark enough to see astronomical features such as the Milky Way that can no longer be seen in many urban areas.

In an effort to monitor the quality of the night sky at the park, we are looking for amateur and/or professional astronomers and astrophotographers to observe and document the sky from various locations in the park.

Volunteers will adopt a location and take observations or images once or twice a year. Observations and images will be used to monitor sky quality and used in public programs to raise awareness about light pollution and the importance of natural dark skies.

Camp fees and/or park entrance fees may be waived for volunteers who sign up and provide the park with observations and/or images. All data will be appropriately managed and credited if presented to the public.

Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/barton_warnock/