Books & Calendars

Book: "Glacier National Park After Dark"

2023 Wall Calendar: "Waterton-Glacier International Dark Sky Park"

Where are the best places in Glacier National Park to watch the northern lights? What is the best time of year to admire the Milky Way? When is the next lunar eclipse? How can I touch a meteorite? Where do shooting stars come from? What is the ancient Blackfoot name for the Big Dipper? If sunlight is white then why is the sky blue? What is the “Moon Illusion?” Naturalist John Ashley sets out on a nocturnal quest for answers to these questions and more. The result is a combination guide book, travel journal, historical narrative, photo essay and astronomy primer. Join this journey from sunset to sunrise, and help protect this trail for those who will follow.

What other are saying...

"Thank you John for this amazing book!!! (I don't personally know him, though I now know pieces of his soul). By far one of the BEST books that I own. Utterly breathtaking photos of the night sky (and more), plus he's a great writer, fun and witty. I find myself at a loss for words to describe just how much I love this book."

Amazon Reviewer (5 out of 5 stars)

"Glacier National Park After Dark is an endlessly fascinating visual tour of the night sky, augmented by engaging written commentary. It will appeal to anyone who has ever looked up in wonder at the night sky. In other words, you don’t have to love, or even have visited Glacier National Park to admire this book."

Judges comments, 2016 High Plains Book Award (1st place, Science & Medicine)

"I knew John had photographed Glacier Park’s night skies for decades, hauling his heavy gear up brushy ridges in the middle of the night. But—as one who wandered Glacier for two decades looking for bears—I’d never seen anything like these pictures: They shimmer with life and live in the dimension of time. Ashley’s sky work reaches for a spiritual tether and touches the sacred world of the Blackfeet. The book’s text is lively, appropriately scientific and informative; above all, Ashley shows us how we are losing the heavens that we humans have watched and that has informed our kind for millennia; artificial light pollution is erasing the night sky. And, on our radically changing planet, we will need that stellar anchor."

Doug Peacock ~ Author of “Grizzly Years” and “Was it Worth It?”

"Wrapped around the spectacular photography are essays, some seat-of-the-pants how-to, and enough science to get you by (and whet your appetite in the process). Ashley is as dedicated to his photography as he is to his calling as a naturalist. And that combination really shows in After Dark. For those who want to learn more it also includes an extensive notes/bibliography section, info on dark skies and a calendar of astronomical events dates that are pertinent to night photography at Glacier National Park. If you or a loved one is a photographer with an interest in the west, this book is a ticket to explore one of America's most beautiful parks in a way that few get to appreciate it."

David Hobby ~ aka, The Strobist

“'Glacier Park After Dark' is magical realism where the mythic world of stars, sacred geography and Blackfeet lore are brought alive in stunning photographs. The reader is given the sense of an ancient world where the Wolf Trail leads to the netherworld and Morning Star guides the vision of every maiden. It’s almost like being there with the old Niitsitapi elders at night, telling their stories from time immemorial."

Dr. Jay Hansford C. Vest ~ Professor of American Indian Studies, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

"John provides insightful scientific and technical information with humor in an easy to understand manner. This book will enchant anyone who loves the beauty of the natural world."

Dr. Fred Allendorf ~ Regents Professor of Biology, University of Montana

"It's our good fortune that Glacier's night sky has John Ashley to describe its appearance and properties in a way that everyone can understand. Rare for a science book, his lucid prose, dramatic photographs, and first-hand accounts serve as an accessible and entertaining guide to the splendors above. Informative and fun to read, this is a practical companion for anyone that wants to navigate the starry sky. Like a poet from the past, John's eloquent voice sings the praises of the dark that most visitors to the park never experience."

Jim Rogers ~ Adjunct faculty at Salish Kootenai College, geography and astronomy

"John Ashley’s 'Glacier National Park After Dark,' is like exploring our galaxy with Earth as the starship. Glacier - Waterton Peace Park provides a visually eloquent framework for celestial theatre. This masterpiece earned John Ashley his Blackfeet name, Matakiu-kah kait-too-siks,

'He Who Takes The Stars.'”

Jack W. Gladstone ~ Montana’s Blackfeet Troubadour and Cultural Bridge Builder

"Glacier National Park has rightfully been called a geologic park. John Ashley’s spectacular book provides even the casual observer with a sense of awe and views of 'other' worlds, the living cosmos within which our spark of dust—the Earth—and we not-so-humble humans are bit players. There is so much to enjoy and appreciate in this beautiful magnum opus—not the least of which would be a strong dose of humility and gratitude. Thank you, John."

Dr. Lex Blood ~ Educator, Geologist, Community activist, and Mother Earth Admirer