Dark Sky Events
April 21-28, 2025
International Dark Sky Week
Free Admission
As the repository for archaeological and paleontological material for Medicine Rocks State Park, Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, we are proud to participate in International Dark Sky Week 2025. International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration of the night. From the darkness needed for a good night’s sleep to the activities healthy ecosystems and wildlife biodiversity, enhancing science and exploration, preserving cultural knowledge, and so much more.With artificial light at night increasing, dark skies worldwide are quickly fading—disrupting nocturnal habitats, diminishing our view of the stars, and changing our relationship to the night.We invite you to join us as we discover the night together, exploring its importance and the actions we can take to protect dark skies.
Events will include an Instagram series on dark sky education, and a pop up exhibit about Medicine Rocks State Park and the Dark Sky Association at the museum (open during regular hours).
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 9 p.m.
TBA
Free Admission
TBA
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025 AT 10 P.M.
Dinosaurs & Dark Skies
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
As part of the festivities leading up to the Carter County Museum's 13th Annual Dino Shindig, Dinosaurs & Dark Skies invites visitors to Medicine Rocks State Park (Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary) for a night of stargazing and fossil phosphorescence. Join us at the Sunset Loop and bring a folding chair and warm clothing. We will provide telescopes and red-light flashlights for wayfinding.
There will be a Bat Walk preceding the event at 9 p.m.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025 AT 9 P.M.
Stargazing with Montana Learning Center
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
Join the Carter County Museum and the Montana Learning Center (Helena) at Medicine Rocks State Park for a stargazing program brought to you by Ryan Hannahoe.
Ryan first became involved with the Montana Learning Center in 2013 as a member of the summer camp staff. Eventually he joined the board of directors. Ryan has been Montana Learning Center’s executive director since the fall of 2016. Ryan worked as a science teacher in Clancy, Montana until 2019 went he went full time with the Center. Teaching science has been his profession for the past seven years.
Getting students and teachers excited about science is something Ryan enjoys. He feels lucky to have had several mentors throughout his career and now wants to share the knowledge and expertise he has with others. According to Ryan, “it is vitally important to inspire and mentor the next generation to become critical thinkers and learn about the natural world around them.”
(Co-hosted with the Montana Learning Center and Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)