FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2007

Contact: Mark Sundlov

(701) 572-9034

THE POWER OF THE NIGHT SKY ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
AT MISSOURI-YELLOWSTONE CONFLUENCE CENTER NOVEMBER 17

WILLISTON – The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center (MYCIC) will host The Power of the Night Sky, a special astronomy event, on Saturday, November 17 starting at 7:30 p.m. Central Time.

Participants will join Williston State College professor Susan Zimmerman and North Dakota Space Grant Consortium participant and Astronomy Club member Michael Gerszewski at the MYCIC for this special evening of lectures and star identification. Zimmerman will explain the “Power of the Night Sky” and how the sky has been used by the people of the region for thousands of years. Gerszewski will provide an introduction to astronomy, including advice and instruction for those looking to become involved in this exciting and educational activity. Following the lectures and discussion participants are invited outdoors to identify stars and constellations.

In the case of poor weather or visibility, the lectures will be held but the outdoor activities will be rescheduled.

Although there will be a telescope on site, participants are invited to bring their own telescope or binoculars. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for the outdoor portion.

The event, as well as refreshments, are free for all participants.

Located one-half mile east of Fort Buford, the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center tells the story of the confluence of these two mighty rivers, as well as provides the same magnificent view that Lewis and Clark Expedition members enjoyed when they visited in 1805 and 1806. The Confluence Interpretive Center is open year-round. From May 16 to September 15, its hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. From September 16 to May 15 it is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Admission is $5 per adult, $2.50 per child, ages 6-15, and children 5 and under are admitted free. The fee also covers admission to Fort Buford State Historic Site, and vice versa.

The Center also includes a meeting room, rotunda and an open plaza facing the Confluence. The meeting room is available for use during and after operating hours. Equipment is available for no charge, including a slide projector, overhead, screen, easel with white board, public address system, and a coffee percolator. The rotunda and open plaza are available to groups after operating hours only. A $25 security fee is charged for after hours use, with a minimum use requirement of two hours. The admission fee is waived for groups that rent the facility.

Free admission to all sites administered by the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) is one of the many benefits for members of the SHSND Foundation. Others include a 15 percent discount on museum store purchases, and the quarterly publications North Dakota History and Plains Talk. To become a member, call the Foundation at (701) 222-1966 or click on the membership button on the agency’s website www.nd.gov/hist.

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