Is your junior ranger looking to add another badge? If you're close to western Nebraska, consider joining a night sky program at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

This coming Saturday, April 6, marks the beginning of night sky programs for the 2024 season at the national monument. The season begins with a Junior Ranger program focused on the April 8 total solar eclipse. “Eclipse and Eclairs” will start at 7 p.m. just outside the visitor center. Kids can grab a yummy treat while they participate in eclipse activities to earn their Junior Eclipse badge. Telescope viewing will occur from 8-9 p.m.

Unlike the total solar eclipse that occurred over the area in August 2017, Nebraskans will not see a full eclipse. That is reserved for individuals living or traveling to the path of the eclipse from Texas to Maine. At Agate Fossil Beds, there will be a partial eclipse, where the moon blocks about 60% of the sun.

The National Park Service published an excellent Junior Eclipse Explorer book and special badge to help young people understand what an eclipse is and how to view it. Rangers at Agate Fossil Beds will help young visitors complete this book through fun activities. They will say the pledge together and earn a badge (while supplies last). Then, telescopes will be available to check out close-ups of the moon and stars visible in the sky at that time.

And because it works rhythmically, visitors can enjoy eclairs while they learn about eclipses. Black Hills Parks & Forest Association, the organization that runs the park’s bookstore, will sponsor this yummy treats for young guests.

As with all night sky events, please only bring red flashlights. Red cellophane and rubber bands will be available in the visitor center to cover visitor flashlights as needed. Night vision is extremely important to view deep space items in a telescope or with the naked eye. White lights, including car headlights, can ruin this vision.

Traveler footnote: To learn more about Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, check out this feature from Traveler's archives.