Explore Cultural Astronomy at the Bell Museum’s Third Annual Statewide Star Party

On Thursday, the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum will be kicking off its third annual Statewide Star Party. Beginning April 7, 2022, and running into the weekend, events across the state will coincide in celebrating Minnesotans’ love of astronomy and our shared sky in an effort to build an appreciation of cultural astronomy and foster a broad excitement for gazing up at the stars.

The Star Party’s theme this year is “Shared Sky, Open Minds,” which was picked to refocus conversations about astronomy through an Indigenous perspective.

J. Szurszewski/Courtesy of the Bell Museum and University of Minnesota

“From the virtual programming talk to the Star Party family activities and stargazing resources sent to host sites, the message is loud and clear: observing our shared skies through a cultural lens is a valuable resource, and opening our minds to other perspectives can only benefit us all,” Nia Navarro, the Bell Museum’s Statewide Star Party coordinator, shared in an email to Twin Cities Geek.

There will be a virtual kickoff event hosted by the Bell Museum at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, and then several in-person events will take place in the days following at the museum itself and at other sites across the state. The virtual event will feature Dr. Annette Lee (director of Native Skywatchers) and Ramona Kitto Stately (project director at We Are Still Here Minnesota), “who will discuss the ways Western astronomy and Ojibwe and D/Lakota star knowledge can coexist to deepen our scientific understanding,” Navarro said. “Attendees will also have the opportunity to stick around after the conversation for a live telescope observation from the Ruth & John Huss Observation Deck led by our Astronomy team.”

Beginning on Friday, April 8, at 8:30 p.m., folks can visit the Bell Museum in person for stargazing, planetarium show screenings, and other family-friendly activities. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, but the museum proper is a bit out of your way, check out the local star parties that will be held throughout the state with different unique events in celebration of this year’s theme.

Bell Museum and University of Minnesota

“Every Star Party is exciting in its own way, and unique to the host site’s location and community!” Navarro said. “For example, the folks at Belwin Conservancy in Afton are partnering with members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society who will bring their telescopes and share with guests. On the other side of the metro area, our partners at Three Rivers Parks–Silverwood Park will have indoor activities and outdoor telescopes to observe the moon and other night sky objects.” Activities are free and do not require advance registration unless otherwise noted.

Past Statewide Star Parties have brought together over 30 host sites across the state—both in person and virtually—to recognize the anniversary of the Apollo moon landing and to spread awareness of the effects of light pollution on our night skies. Organizers hope this year’s event will carry on that tradition of bringing Minnesotans together in celebration of the stars above as it explores the night sky through an Indigenous lens. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a casual stargazer, it’s an event not to be missed.

You can find more information on the Bell Museum’s Statewide Star Party, including a list of the events happening across the state, on the Bell website.

James Steinkamp/Courtesy of the Bell Museum and University of Minnesota