08/14/2026
Come out to Ranch Park in Dripping Springs on Saturday, August 15th, from 8:45-9:45pm, to enjoy a special look at the night sky.
Just bring yourself, family and friends, some chairs if you wish, and your sense of wonder and excitement.
First half: Crescent Moon and a Half-Venus
The Crescent Moon and Venus will be hanging out in the west after sunset. With just your eyes it’s beautiful, but with a telescope it’s mind-blowing. You’ll see the mountains and hills, craters and valleys, on the thin sliver of Moon surface lit by the Sun. Then when you view Venus, you’ll find that the brightest object in the night sky is only half-lit, appearing as a tiny semi-circle in the eye-piece.
Second Half: Star Clusters & Nebulas
Then, after the sky gets dark and the Moon and Venus set, the scopes shift to dark-sky objects. On two telescopes, the Butterfly Cluster and the Dragonfly cluster stand out from the dark background of space. On two larger scopes, the Ring Nebula and the Dumbbell Nebula will challenge your night vision, but it’s amazing when the gas clouds, both produced by dying stars, become visible to your eyes.
Special considerations:
Setup will be in grass, so wearing closed-toed shoes and bug repellent is recommended. Please note that young children under 8 years old often have difficultly looking through telescope eyepieces, so set expectations accordingly. A self-serve table will have drinks, snacks, and various fun items available for a donation.
