Star party off, photographers welcome
By Lynsi Musselman
With clear summer nights in the forecast for the coming weekend, the crescent moon and bright Venus will appear luminous in the sky at Fort Griffin State Historical Site.
The popular once-a-month “star party” at the fort has been cancelled for Saturday, July 18, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but astro-photographers are welcome to take advantage of this weekend’s view of the night sky.
Fort Griffin program director Eric Abercrombie said the monthly “star party” events will stay on the calendar for the coming months and the park will determine cancellation as each one gets closer.
“The proximity of guests sharing the same telescope lens is too close to remain safe,” Abercrombie explained.
Night photography groups are being allowed on the site instead since they have their own equipment and can spread out.
“Saturday is already maxed-out with the number of allowed photographers,” Abercrombie said. “Last year, we unfortunately experienced some vandalism and the fort is now limiting access to the site at night.
Local resident and photographer George Ray Harvick has visited the fort six times after dark to photograph the night sky.
“Fort Griffin is ideal for astro-photography because of the dark sky,” Harvick said. “There is almost zero light pollution since there are no large cities nearby.”
Fort Griffin also offers overnight camping. For visitors who would like to experience the fort during the night and day, there are 33 campsites and primitive camping on nearly five acres.
To ask about night viewing admission and check campground availability, call 325-762-3592 or go to www.visitfortgriffin.com.
Daytime Activities
Abercrombie said the once-a-month guided tour will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Private guided tours are also available anytime during operational hours. It is recommended to call ahead.
Fort Griffin is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission prices are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students, adult tour groups, and those from the age of six to 18. Special pricing applies to families and school groups. Children five and under are free of charge.
