Northwest Nebraska's night skies rival even the more famous Dark Sky Parks (looking at you, Death Valley!) Cultures from around the world -- including the Lakota Sioux who camped in the Niobrara River Valley -- included the wonders of the night sky into their culture. The myths, legends and stories of a people were often based on how they interpreted the shapes of the heavenly bodies above them. The seasonal changes of the stars and moon kept time, when to plant, when to harvest, when to hunt, or when to move on. Agate Fossil Beds is closed from dusk to dawn, so night sky viewing is limited to special events and ranger talks. During the summer months the park hosts several Night Sky programs. Occasionally, local astronomers will bring telescopes and explain to visitors the constellations that are predominate on certain nights. Image: Central core of the Milky Way galaxy and numerous stars above silhouetted hills and tipi poles. NPS /Jason Gray @agatefossilbedsnps #nightsky #nebra...