Indigenous Astronomy
Friday, April 14, 2023
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Trafton 123C or via Zoom | Jeffers Petroglyphs
Join us for a fun afternoon and evening as we explore Indigenous Astronomy, light pollution, and the dark night skies.
Event Schedule:
3:00 PM - 4:00 p.m. | Trafton 123C or via Zoom (Registration Required)
Presentation on light pollution and night sky preservation by Dr. Michael Rutkowski, Professor of Astronomy, at Minnesota State Mankato.
Registration required for zoom option:
6:00 PM - 8:00 p.m. | Jeffers Petroglyphs Located 60 miles from Mankato
Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site holds more than 5,000 ancient rock carvings set amid the prairie grasses. Images of buffalo, turtles, thunderbirds, and humans tell the stories of Native American ancestors spanning more than 7,000 years. From 6-8PM, enjoy tours provided by Jeffers Petroglyphs staff as well as astronomy-themed activities provided by the Bell Museum.
8:00 PM - 9:00 p.m. | Jeffers Petroglyphs
Tom Sanders, former Site Manager, will provide a presentation about Archaeoastronomy of the world, Jeffers Petroglyphs, and the Red Rock Ridge. Weather permitting, the event will culminate with a viewing of the cosmos with telescopes.
*Current Minnesota State Mankato students can register for FREE transportation from campus to Jeffers Petroglyphs. Van space is limited to 16 students. Pick-up at 4:30 p.m., outside of Otto Recreation Center.
Register for Transportation here
