MnAstro Forums

Many have been there - the site of the Nebraska Star Party, so I thought I would share some news!

Every now and again I write to the Nebraska Parks Commission about preserving the night sky. From the little lookout point on the north side of the dam at Merritt Reservoir, there are only three streetlights visible. What an easy time to intentionally keep it dark.

I just received a reply from the Nebraska Parks Commission:
"Currently we are finishing up the process to make Merritt Reservoir an International Dark Sky Park. It has been a long process to get to this point but we are hopeful that the IDA makes their final announcement soon. Tommy Hicks, Nebraska Parks Commission."

Nice to be able to share some good news like this!

Yay! That would be a great Dark Sky Park!

Hi Brad,

That's great news!! That would be an excellent place for observing... just not in July when it's 106F, fierce storms, winds and mosquitos.

Suresh

Excellent news! It makes me think that my membership in IDA is doing some good. Thanks for being pro-active about this.

Suresh, Just have to remember it's really about the stories to tell, not the boring ol' "Ya, the weather was nice!" See, feeling like a human bratwurst cooking in our rented, non-airconditioned, pop-up camper with a broken refrigerator is a fun story. And don't forget about the god-awful pickers that barb into your ankles! Although to see the Milky Way cast a shadow is pretty awesome! Sure, I'll be back!