A special night sky program is scheduled for July 22 at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area/NPS

With the new moon coming, the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower nearing its peak, and the total solar eclipse not far away, the National Park Service is excited to present its annual summer Night Sky Festival in the Santa Monica Mountains in California on July 22.

Around 15 telescopes will be directed at other planets and objects in the Milky Way galaxy. Fun, educational children's activities will be available, including a chance to become a Night Sky Junior Ranger, at Paramount Ranch. And there will be door prizes for the first 100 visitors.

The festival will also include a presentation on preserving the night sky by Dr. Travis Longcore, a leading expert in the environmental and ecological effects of night lighting, including avian collisions with structures, attraction of insects to lights, and the disruption of behavioral and physiological processes across species. He is an assistant professor of architecture, spatial sciences, and biological sciences at USC.

The event is scheduled to run from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.: 

• 7:30–9 p.m.: Kids activities 
• 7:30–8:30 p.m.: Native American night sky stories by Hupa native Kat High 
• 8–9 p.m.: Preserving the Night Sky, a presentation by Dr. Travis Longcore
• 8:30-10 p.m.: Telescope viewing 

Parking and entrance are free. Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road in Agoura. Red lens flashlights are recommended to help preserve visitors’ night vision throughout the event (red cellophane and rubber bands will be provided). For more information, call the visitor center at 805-370- 2301.