Ten years ago, on March 26, 2011, Jasper National Park became the largest dark sky preserve in the world. In the decade since, the importance of protecting the night sky from light pollution has gained momentum and more dark sky preserves have been designated around the world; Jasper’s now holds the second biggest spot, though is still the largest accessible dark sky preserve (meaning there’s a town within its borders).
Today Jasper is also home to a unique 40-seat planetarium, nightly telescope tours, and the annual Dark Sky Festival, which brings astronauts and world-renowned scientists and thousands of star-seekers to the park.
To commemorate this decade of dark skies in Jasper, The Jasper Planetarium has taken their programming to new heights. For the rest of 2021, enjoy special events, shows and memorable experiences.
See the full line-up below, and get planning your dark sky adventures.
March
- Quest for Quasars: See to the edge of the universe LIVE.
- Special lakeside dining-and-stargazing experiences beyond the Jasper town site
- Celebrate the founding of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve with limited FREE planetarium admission at 6 pm on March 26, 2021, on first-come-first-served basis (click to book) NOTE: if this is not available to book online, it is sold-out. Opt for a FREE “virtual visit”, available at 9 pm MT on March 26, 2021 via zoom.us (ID: 959 2004 2455 PASSWORD: 886996)
- Regular in-person Telescope Experience tours also available
Jasper Planetarium
April
- Supermoon viewing on April 25, 26, 27
- Special lakeside dining-and-stargazing experiences beyond the Jasper town site
- “Stargazing In Style” planetarium/scope/vintage bus tour (details available in late February, 2021)
- Regular in-person Telescope Experience tours also available
Jeff Bartlett | @photojbartlett
May
- “Peak-Nic” under the stars (with Jasper Food Tours)
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
- Supermoon telescope observing on May 25, 26, 27
Jack Fusco | @jackfusco
June
- Summer Solstice DAYTIME solar telescope experience
- “Stargazing In Style” planetarium / scope / vintage bus tour
- NEW Jasper To Jupiter (& Beyond) planetarium experience
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
Ryan Bray | @braymationstudio
July
- Wild Sky Wednesdays planetarium / telescope / binocular tour
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
- Supermoon viewing on July 12, 13, 14
- Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower on July 27, 28, 29
Mike Gere | @mikegerephoto
August
- Far Out Fridays planetarium / telescope / binocular tour
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
- Perseid Meteor shower viewing on Aug 10, 11, 12
Jeff Bartlett | @photojbartlett
September
- Dinner and Telescopes on a Mountaintop: Skytram Star Sessions
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
Rogier Gruys | @bluepeakphotography
October
- 11th Annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival (dates and events coming soon)
- Orionid Meteor Shower viewing
- “Stargazing In Style” planetarium/scope/vintage bus tour
- Draconid Meteor Shower viewing
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
Jeff Bartlett | @photojbartlett
November
- Leonid Meteor Shower viewing
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
Rogier Gruys | @bluepeakphotography
December
- Geminid Meteor Shower
- Regular Planetarium and Telescope/Planetarium tours
Jeff Lewis | @jefflewisphotography
