International Dark Sky Week 2024

Join us from April 8-14, 2024 for International Dark Sky week

Mammoth Cave National Park invites you to celebrate International Dark Sky Week with ranger guided walks, talks, and special evening programs.

What is International Dark Sky Week?

International Dark Sky Week (IDSW) is an annual event held during April's new moon, that encourages people worldwide to turn off lights and enjoy the night sky without light pollution. Founded in 2003 by high school student Jennifer Barlow, IDSW aims to reduce light pollution, promote better lighting systems, and encourage the study of astronomy.

Mammoth Cave National Park was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in 2021. The park is committed to preserve the night sky's beauty and share it with future generations.

Scheduled Events

During the IDSW programs visitors can view deep sky objects and constellations through telescopes, take a nighttime walk on a park trail to learn about nocturnal wildlife, and even get a closer look at our nearest star, the Sun. Most of the programs will take place in the evening hours but there will be two daytime events during the week at the visitor center.

All events are weather dependent and free and open to the public with no tickets or reservations required.

Surface Activities - Free of Charge

Partial Solar Eclipse - April 8th

Evening Program - April 10th, 6:45pm and April 13th, 7:00pm

Star Party - April 10th, 7:30pm and April 13th, 7:45pm

Guided Night Wildlife Hike - April 11th, 7:15pm

Constellation Walk - April 14th, 8:00pm