Summer months usually bring about the most stargazing events in the National Park System, but winter is pretty good, too, in part because of the clearer atmospheric conditions. Upcoming events take place at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, and Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada.

Baseline climate data is being collected at four National Park System units in the Southwest to help the National Park Service understand how best to respond to predicted climate futures and their impacts.

Experience isn't always a trump card against the unknown or unexpected. Last May a 25-year-old man who was described as an experienced long-distance hiker and familiar with Joshua Tree National Park in California went missing. The other day remains that might be his were found. Official identification has yet to be made, along with cause of death.

If you want to measure a climate trend, one thing you certainly have to account for is the seasons. It would be unwise to take one measurement in July, a second measurement in December, and declare that we are descending into an ice age. The same is true for measuring ground deformation. There is seasonal movement you have to consider, including in Yellowstone National Park.