Oct 28 2008
Dark-Sky Destinations in New MexicoNew Mexico offers many dark-sky destinations and events. The possibilities afforded by its clear night skies draw dark-sky tourists from around the world.
The Very Large Array
If observatories are your dark-sky destinations of choice, put the Very Large Array on your list. It’s open for self-guided tours every day. Educational groups can take guided tours if reservations are made ahead of time. Guided tours for the public are offered only twice a year. All the tours are free.
Location: The Very Large Array is located about 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Map.
More information:
Find out more about tours at the Very Large Array
National Public Observatory Stars-N-Parks
The National Public Observatory works with state parks in New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania to offer family oriented star parties. This program is called Stars-N-Parks.
Stars-N-Parks hosts star parties in six southern New Mexico state parks:
- City of Rocks State Park, Faywood
- Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs
- Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus
- Caballo State Park, Caballo
- Oliver Lee State Park, Alamogordo
More Information:
Learn about the New Mexico Stars-N-Parks
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Want to visit a national park with gorgeous night skies and its own observatory? The Chaco Culture National Historical Park celebrated the grand opening of a permanent domed observatory in 1998. Since that time dedicated volunteers have helped host Night Sky Programs at the park. These astronomy events, including telescope viewings, are offered from April to October. In addition, from May through October you can participate in tours, hikes and other evening programs.
Be sure to check the website for information about road closures and road conditions. Also, learn about what the weather will be like when you at the time of your visit. Temperatures can vary greatly, so be prepared.
Location: Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. Directions and Map.
More Information:
Learn about visiting the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Find out about the Endangered Night Sky Darkness Project and the Chaco Night Sky Program
The Enchanted Skies Star Party
Socorro, New Mexico, is home to the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party. This much acclaimed dark sky event is unique in that it takes place at several locations, including its central site at the Etscorn Observatory where one night of observing is open to the public and its official Dark Sky Site at El Camino Real International Heritage Center where it is a tradition to have a chuck wagon style dinner. In addition, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory with the Very Large Array and the Very Long Baseline Array, plus Apache Point and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory are included during different years in the star party’s tours and observing nights.
You’ll need to register for the star party, and then make your own arrangements for camping or staying at a motel or bed and breakfast inn. Socorro offers several options for accommodations and restaurants.
More Information:
Find out about The Enchanted Skies Star Party.
Learn about the Frank T. Etscorn Campus Observatory.
Learn about the El Camino Real International Heritage Center
Find out about accommodations in Socorro.
White Sands Star Party
The White Sands Star Party combines public viewing and events at the New Mexico Museum of Space History and the Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater in Alamogordo, New Mexico, with camping at White Sand National Monument and viewing restricted to amateur and professional astronomers and their families.
Location:
NM Museum of Space History
Top of Highway 2001
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Map and directions
More Information:
Get details about the annual White Sands Star Party
Find out about the New Mexico Museum of Space History
