North Unit visitors to be able to view the skies

DICKINSON - Visitors to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) can plan to view the skies from the Oxbow Overlook on Friday and Saturday.

The Northern Sky Astronomical Society of Grand Forks will be setting up telescopes in the parking lot of the Oxbow Overlook. The overlook is at the end of the 14 mile scenic drive in the North Unit, 15 miles south of Watford City.

“Everything will be set up and ready to go by half an hour after sunset each night,” Dean Smith, head of the astronomy society stated in a press release. “We will start each night with a laser tour of the sky, introduce the club members, and show everyone where the telescopes are.”

The astronomy society will be on hand to answer questions.

Visitors should plan on bringing their own telescopes, as well as binoculars.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great place to view the stars because it’s so dark,” said Valerie Naylor, Superintendent of TRNP. “We encourage visitors to take part in all the activities, but the dark night skies at the North Unit especially make it great for viewing constellations.”

For more information on the event, call the TRNP North Unit Visitor Center at 701-842-2333.

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