In the famous words of Sioneva, or was it Douglas Adams, "DON'T PANIC".
This cache was placed as a permanent cache for the Geocacher's Guide to the Galaxy event held nearby. The event was a combination of geocaching and astronomy at some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. You will be looking for a camoed tupperware container that holds a logbook and some small items. Please make sure to rehide this as found.
Obviously, I'm a geocacher. How else would I know how to place this? But, I'm also an amateur astronomer. The site this is placed at is home to the Nebraska Star Party (NSP). NSP is a yearly event held here at Snake River Campground, usually in late July or early August. At the time this cache was placed, NSP was about to have it's 16th Annual Star Party.
NSP is a combination of astronomy, camping, and good old family fun. With guest speakers, vendors, beginner's field schools, a children's program, social events, and float trips down the Niobrara River, NSP provides a great week-long vacation for those looking for something different to try. And all of this under skies so dark that on a great night, the glow from the Milky Way can actually cast a minor shadow. The above photo was taken a within a short walking distance of this cache.
I have been to NSP every years since 2002 except for 2008 (I was preparing to move to Kansas City). Almost every one of those years, I have seen both aurora's (Northern Lights) and meteor showers. You truly can get lost in the skies up here. If you are looking for a good vacation spot to try, consider spending the night in this campground and enjoy the night sky. You won't be sorry (unless it's a cloudy night...I can't help you with THAT). If you come up to NSP some year, give me a holler and I'll tell you how to find me there.
This cache is placed with permission of the local park ranger.