April 2023 • Nebraskaland 27
A dark sky map shows the areas of most and least light pollution in the United States. The dot represents Merritt Reservoir.
OPENSTREETMAP
To learn about the International Dark-Sky Association's eff orts to combat light pollution, visit Darksky.org. Information about the 30th annual
Nebraska Star Party may be found at Nebraskastarparty.org.
been a secret. Each July for the past 29 years, it has hosted
the Nebraska Star Party, drawing professional and amateur
astronomers from across the country. The throng of attendees
revel in the view of the night sky through both high-powered
telescopes and the naked eye. During the day, they enjoy the
area's many other features: 9,000 acres of nature and 44 miles
of shoreline with white-sand beaches. The park is known for
its outstanding fi shing, boating and camping opportunities.
No matter where you live, an overnight trip to Merritt
Reservoir is worth the drive. Those who stay awake after the
sun goes down will be sure to like what they do — and don't —
hear. And, they will especially love what they see.
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