Thanks to its privileged location in the northeastern plains, the park is far from the yellow haze of light pollution that obstructs night sky views. The International Dark-Sky Association named Capulin Volcano National Monument a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in 2016. Thanks to its oasis-like water source, El Morro became a popular resting place for travelers who left their marks. Then, be sure to explore the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, located within the Estancia Basin, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve is another excellent must-go spot for dark skies in New Mexico. It is close enough to Albuquerque that it still gets some low-level light intrusion, but still, the park is a great place to explore the night sky. If you have questions, call me at 505-577-7141. Cosmic Campground, 33.4792463100206, -108.92268895185092, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA. The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is only two hours away from Albuquerque. Our Stars Rule: Protecting ancient ruinsand the night sky. Where is the nearest night sky star viewing near truth or consequences. Its isolation from city lights makes it a favorite spot for the Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Definitely science based. It sits within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie and preserves the second of three forts the U.S. Army constructed in 1851. Although its located north of Santa Fe, its still a great place for stargazing. They host plenty of Night Sky Programs on Friday and Saturday evenings to educate people on the importance of dark skies. The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) conducts classical astronomical research with the observatorys 2.4-meter telescope. The sky often looks more like a movie set, rendered by an artist that might be under the influence of something. Astronomy Clubs in NM (11) There are 11 amateur astronomy clubs in the state of NM that feature meetings, viewing nights, star parties, and stargazing programs. Also see amateur astronomy clubs in NM. Peter works hard to make the night special from start to finish and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the cosmos is very apparent. Observing. She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. Here in the Land of Enchantment, we celebrate our dark skies and relish in the starlight. Depending on the time of the year, you can see the Milky Way spread out over Capulin. The Magdalena Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Enchanted Skies Star Party about 20 miles from the array. These are popular spots that where you may meet other stargazers or can even attend events an star parties being hosted! The site features stunning preserved structures that the Pueblo Indians built and inhabited, including a 900-year old ancestral Pueblo Great House of over 400 masonry rooms. For the best stargazing in New Mexico possible, look for the darkest skies in New Mexico, which leads us to the next point: Where can I go star gazing in New Mexico? Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States 204 reviews Superhost Entire cabin 3 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom Accommodates: 6 from USD 115 View Deal 8. Another top spot to go stargazing in New Mexico, Clayton Lake State Park, is New Mexicos first International Dark Sky Park, earning the title back in 2010. New Mexico is home to Gold and Silver-Tier Dark Sky Parks, as certified by the New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza, Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe. Homes similar to 1462 Encina Rd are listed between $615K to $3M at an average of $640 per square foot. If you have questions, call me at 505-577-7141. The site protects over 33,000 acres of gorgeous rugged canyon and mesa country, plus evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived here from approximately 1150 CE to 1550 CE. In Viewing stars against a jet black sky is like diamonds on velvet, and star clusters with points of light too numerous to count fill the eyepiece like fireworks. ~ Geoff Goins, Park Ranger, founder of, Where To Grab A Great Green Chile Cheeseburger. The sky provides a theatrical performance using the sun, the clouds and the moon as players. It is among the top 20 darkest night skies measured in more than 90 national parks. Its perfect if youre a beginner since they provide you with giant telescopes to see planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other amazing sights. Cloud cover is the most common deterrent. The museum also has a planetarium where you can learn more about our universe. However, observers are permitted to setup scopes just outside the park's fenced area. Groups with more than 12 people, parties wanting more one telescope and astronomer, and locations away from my regular viewing site will have higher rates depending upon specific needs. If you want "real stargazing" on the East coast drive south from your home to the Outer Banks of NC ~ 5 hr drive. It is Whoagotta pull over, unbelievable, jaw dropping, off world, surreal magnificence. This has made it a popular spot for stargazers, and star parties are held here on a regular basis. Hundreds of stars, and the milky way, are readily visible from the cities, but when you drive a short distance away from the lightsthe view is resplendent. Contact them directly for information on upcoming star parties or astronomy related events. Get a unique glimpse of the past when you explore one of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in North America and a close-up look at the stars at the Lake Observatory. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! Their skyward observations are reflected in the layout of their buildings, at their ceremonial sites, and in the petroglyphs they created. The viewing site is located near the village of Cerrillos - 15 miles south of Santa Fe along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM State Hwy 14). Hyde Memorial State Park is also a nice place to spend the night. The night sky is so dark that visitors can see the Milky setting over Cosmic Campground with the naked eye. Cerrillos Hills, New Mexico's 34th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park located off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Across U.S. Highway180, an orange cattle guard begins the 1.3-mile, hard-surface road to the Cosmic Campground. All equipment needed is provided by the park. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. I do keep a waitlist. How to use stargazing in a sentence. They host a number of star parties during the year, including the annual Enchanted Sky Star Party. New Mexico's first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek. Proven . Provides star tours on the Turquoise Trail with Peter, a park ranger by day, astronomer by night. We are a group of Santa Fe area residents who share a passion for observing the day and night sky, be it by naked eye, binocular, or telescope. No visit to Santa Fe should be considered complete without a stargazing evening at Astronomy Adventures. Theres even the Lake Observatory for serious stargazers who want to take their viewing to the next level. Viewing stars against a jet black sky is like diamonds on velvet, and star clusters with points of light too numerous to count fill the eyepiece like fireworks. ~ Geoff Goins, Park Ranger, founder of Night Sky Adventures. The pitting matches the description of Type I pitting of copper, which has historically been attributed to water chemistry and to contaminants on the copper tubing surface. The museum also has a planetarium where you can learn more about our universe. Theres no need to worry about any light pollution at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge. Craving some New Mexico stargazing? No visit to Santa Fe should be considered complete without a stargazing evening at Astronomy Adventures. Read our guide to New Mexico stargazing locations to learn helpful tips and find the best spots to stop for viewing the stars. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. This economical family unit is a traditional favorite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. If your main goal is to observe the Milky Way, the Lava Falls, Big Tubes, and El Calderon trailheads provide some of the best seats there. It is an excellent spot to stargaze if you have children, with park rangers inviting families to surf the star-filled sky over the Monument. Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV. For Native people today, the night skies are still used as a guidance in daily living and religious ceremonies. Please contact them for public viewing programs and hours. JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock. Five sites in New Mexico have been certified as dark places by the International Dark-Sky Association. How Good is the Stargazing in Albuquerque? Whether at sunrise, sunset or while star gazing, the sky consistently provides the impetus to look up, to look around, to marvel at the clouds, the mountains, the stars, to contemplate ones place in a very large universe. Live a little further from those places? IDA-designated dark-sky park in northeastern New Mexico, near Clayton and Raton. Next, we are going to take a look at some of the best stargazing locations in New Mexico for beginner and experienced stargazers. The Preserve is located in the Jemez Mountains from where it is possible to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and star constellations, unobstructed by light pollution. It features a 12 x 16-foot building with a retractable roof that houses a computer-operated telescope (12 inch Meade) and remote television monitor so groups can admire the star-studded sky. Hyde Memorial State Park was New Mexicos first state park and is a popular spot for hiking and camping. This fellow also taught astronomy at the University of New Mexico Taos branch, though the repetition in theme makes me wonder if park rangers have spent more time looking at the heavens than most. Unlike other locations, the preserve offers regular, ongoing 24-hour access to stargazing via six large pull-outs along Highway 4. All 19 Pueblos within New Mexico, the Hopi, and Navajo people have maintained oral accounts of their historical migration from Chaco and have a continued spiritual relationship with the land. Unfortunately, youre not going to see the Milky Way in the city itself. Turn right a few miles before Abiqui at the sign for El Rito and Northern New Mexico Community College. This 89,000 acre National Preserve is in the heart of one of three super volcanoes in the United States and is known for its expansive mountain meadows, abundance of wildlife, and stunning views of the night skies. Many copper water lines for municipal drinking water in Santa Fe, New Mexico USA, have developed pinhole leaks. and Peter is friendly and knowledgeable. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Co Rd. Is there a company that offers stargazing tours. The refuge staff has installed warm white and yellow lights to reduce the unnatural blue light that deters nocturnal animals. Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? Each ticket includes a seat in our enclosed (heated) train cars, access to an outdoor open air flatbed car, a complimentary champagne welcome as the adventure begins, live music, and presentations by professional guides! During colder months, youll witness an impressive sky full of stars and the Milky Way above the adobe ruins at Fort Union. The gate across the road leading to the visitor's center closes at 4:30pm. Rates begin at $400 per night plus applicable tax. So much so that Dark Skies New Mexico has become a popular destination for astrophotographers who chase the perfect shot of the Milky Way. New Mexico Stargazing June 21, 2022 Tori Jane Where is the best stargazing in New Mexico? Where is the best stargazing in New Mexico? If you enjoy looking at the stars this is something you MUST do when in Santa Fe. Where are all the best dark skies in New Mexico? Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center Call directly to get information on upcoming astronomy events. Fort Union became a certified international Dark Sky Park in 2019. Drive to a T, turn left and go past some buildings and into the field where the Observatory is located. Lie back and take in the great views of the galaxy above at Cerrillos Hills State Park. Thanks for stopping by and Clear Skies. Founded in 1939, Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge is a top spot to watch the migration of the Sandhill cranes in the fall. . For the best stargazing experience, you want to wait until theres a New Moon in the sky. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, abqtodo.com. In order to test . Your email address will not be published. Enjoying its second decade of star-spotting, Astronomy Adventures offers educational and entertaining guided night sky tours. Although conditions at all three units of the park are impressive, Gran Quivira offers nearly unobstructed views in all directions including that of mountain ranges up to 100 miles away. Hiking through the rippling dunes is an otherworldly experience. I went in to adjust the text so its clear that Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is not open to the public except for special events. A monthly calendar listing events (including Star Parties) at various NM State Parks can be found at: https://wwwapps.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/parksevent/calendar/Default.aspx Designated as a dark sky park in 2021, Valles Caldera National Preserve is New Mexicos newest International Dark Sky Park. 102 South Ripley St., Mountainair, NM 87036, nps.gov. Peter led our small group in a wonderful exploration of the gorgeous night sky outside of Santa Fe. The observatory is home to the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club. There are a lot, so well name just a few of the most beloved ones. Looking to go stargazing in New Mexico? Located north of Watrous in Mora County, Fort Union National Monument is another excellent spot for stargazing. The uniquely designed, new Visitor Center includes a large display area and modern restrooms with hot showers. Self-guided tours are available every day, and all tours are free of charge. Clayton Lake State Park is most well known for its preserved dinosaur footprints. Be certain to wear warm clothes as it does get cold in the evenings in Santa Fe, year round. Those who want to stay late without camping must request a permit to stay late and watch the night sky. The skies are so pristine that you can even spot constellations like Ursa Major. Brandie is a freelance writer and digital media strategist. Northern New Mexico, with its mountainous terrain, provides a good example of what . The phenomena of dark sky, coveted by astronomers, is the norm in New Mexico. The town is full of people who love to see the dark skies in New Mexico so they make the effort to keep their town as an excellent place to stargaze. Also, conditions like transparency, referring to the clarity in the sky, affect your ability to see the night sky. Browse this map for a few of the top spots to stargaze in Albuquerque, then read on to learn more about them. The Salinas basin formed ancient salt beds from which the monument derives its name and drew early inhabitants. A traditional motorhome with the self-contained features you expect. While theyre not offering tours due to Covid regulations, the Very Large Array provides a self-guided walking tour to explore large, informative signs and the base of one of the giant dish antennas. Besides preserving the monument, the site has excelled at preserving the quality of its dark skies. Definitely worth the time & money. There are three distinct sites at the National Monument: Ab, Gran Quivira, and Quarai. As you can see, New Mexico is home to exquisite night skies all around. 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Thank you! You can easily see this through the buildings orientations, internal geometry, and the petroglyphs they carved. At an elevation of 5,259 ft, the City of Rocks State Park sits beneath some of the best dark skies in New Mexico. And yeah, those states are great but theres no experience quite like stargazing in New Mexico. A tall, brown Forest Service Cosmic Campground sign sits halfway between mile marker 37 and 38. visit the FAQ page at the Astronomy Adventures webpage for additional information, What is duration of the tour? My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! I am immensely grateful and honored to have worked with the thousands of people who have joined me over the years. Then, be sure to explore the, Going Into These 5 Caves In New Mexico Is Like Entering Another World, 18 Fascinating Things You Probably Didnt Know About Carlsbad Caverns In New Mexico, Dont Miss The 7 Best Stargazing Events That Will Light Up The New Mexico Sky In 2023, Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park Like Never Before On This Virtual Tour, Here Are The 10 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In New Mexico, Follow This 3-Mile Trail In New Mexico To Caves And Unique Rock Formations, This New Mexico Road Trip Takes You From The Underground Carlsbad Caverns To The Mountains Of Taos, Located Off The Beaten Path, This Tiny Oasis Is Hiding In Plain View At Carlsbad Caverns National Park In New Mexico, Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. At night, El Morro National Monument becomes a hotspot for stargazers, and not by mere chance. The night sky viewing area at Capulin Volcano is recognized as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Place. Stargaze definition, to gaze at or observe the stars. Banner Photo by Steven Miller, Astrophotographer. Tourism Jasper has a top ten list of the best places to stargaze in the national park, which includes Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon and Lake, Columbia Icefields, and Pyramid Lake. Still, keep an eye on their website for further updates. Make sure you check out their website for any updates. The Monument, founded in 1916, protects Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, a beautiful landscape, and the country's largest Civilian Conservation Corps National Landmark District. Your email address will not be published. The explanations & telescope he has are outstanding. Solar System; . Experience the breath-taking grandeur of twinkling stars on a pitch-black canvas without the interruption of city lights. The compact RV is the ideal unit for two adults of any age and a dinette folding to an extra bed allows for a child. Santa Fe, NM Hourly . The observatory features outstanding facilities. As you might know, sanctuaries are the darkest and most remote locations to stargaze. Try combining it with a trip to Bandelier/VCNP or one or more of the museums in Los Alamos proper. Required fields are marked *, Hi! San Jos de Gracia Church in Las Trampas is one of New Mexicos best examples of 18th century Spanish Colonial architecture. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a historical site that consists of a series of Spanish missionaries. Youll discover over twenty of the best stargazing sites across the state, from state and national parks to places where you can join a star party. . Park staff work hard to maintain this designation and invite the public to enjoy it year-round through public programming and personal observation at its soon-to-be constructed Night Sky Observation station. Your email address will not be published. However, it is possible to see it in almost any spot mentioned within two hours of Albuquerque if the conditions are right. The nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 30 miles away in Arizona. Santa Fe can feel like a giant art museum, given how much amazing creativity is all around the city. Besides stargazing opportunities, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument offers a ton of recreational activities. Visitors gather on those nights to attend a lecture usually on the astronomical practices of the ancient Puebloans and how their observations informed their daily lives. Peter blends science, history, anthropology and sociology into a blockbuster session that is punctuated by jaw dropping views. Our professional guides will entertain you with tales of the stars, constellations and planets that have been passed down for hundreds of years. Similar to its western neighbor, Arizona, New Mexico is one of those states that is pretty much ideal for stargazing. As you can see, you wont have trouble finding plenty of areas offering pristine night skies. El Morro National Monument is a prime spot for history buffs who want to revisit the relics of travelers who passed through it during their journeys. As such, Fort Union hosts interpretative dark-sky programs featuring both naked-eye astronomy and observations through telescopes throughout the year. You can also find occasional stargazing events being held here. Carlsbad Cavern features an impressive limestone chamber: the Big Room. New Mexico skies are so spectacular that an astronomy community has emerged near Silver City. Browse the navigation bar to learn more about Astronomy Adventures. The darker half of the world-renowned national park is located in the Low Desert, making it a prime locale for spotting constellations and shooting stars. Highly recommend! Get an RV rental from Cruise America today! Salinas Pueblo Missions preserves 17th-century Spanish mission churches, which means you can enjoy ancient history and exceptional dark skies simultaneously. You can expect a clear view of the sky almost every night. Stargazing in New Mexico is an ancient and authentic experience. Theres very little artificial light which ensures the dark skies can emerge in full force. The hills at this state park stand nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and make for great stargazing points. Turns out, our night skies are pretty special too, especially if you get to view them away from the intrusive lights of the city. Provides spectacular views of the night sky. The New Mexico Skies observatory is next door, making this emerging community a haven for astronomy buffs. I am immensely grateful and honored to have worked with the thousands of people who have joined me. 9521 Rio Grande Blvd. You will cross paths with over 1,100 years of mining history along the five miles of trails and enjoy spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges. Looking for a personal guide for stargazing with this group of eight adults. During the summer months the observatory is open to the public Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Because of New Mexicos desert environment, you can go stargazing at nearly any time during the year. Astronomy Adventures does. During the day, you can explore the relics of the ancient communities that once inhabited these lands. I know it's on our repeat list! Pick up a Cruise America RV rental from our convenient Albuquerque location and get started on your road trip! The site protects over 33,000 acres of gorgeous rugged canyon and mesa country, plus evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived here from approximately 1150 CE to 1550 CE. The monument at. The Best Spots for Stargazing in Albuquerque, Stargazing Spots Within One Hour of Albuquerque, Stargazing Spots Within Two Hours of Albuquerque. Star parties are held throughout the year, and anyone can participate. The New Mexico night sky is quite the sight to behold. The rocks are the result of a volcanic eruption 34.9 million years ago. Bandelier National Monument has amazing night sky programs throughout the year. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains act as a barrier, mitigating the light pollution coming from Santa Fe. The observatory's computer-operated telescope is cleverly tucked into a 12 x 16-foot building with a retractable roof. 2y. The Hyde Memorial State Park is next on our list of stargazing New Mexico destinations. The night sky was breathtaking and peaceful. Chacoan people, a prehistoric Pueblo culture that inhabited these territories, already had a strong relationship with the sky and collected vast knowledge on lunar and solar cosmology. place full of wonder, intrigue, fascinating history, and, of course, ridiculously beautiful places. Every event will have experts who can guide you through all the major planets and constellations. The range of topics covered, and the depth to which they were covered, was truly impressive. Live a little further from those places? 5. This makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science hosts stargazing events on a monthly basis. Some of the hills in this state park stand nearly 7000 feet above sea level. The mission ruins at Salina Pueblo Mission National Monument became a certified Dark Sky Park in 2016. This makes it a fantastic place in the daytime as well. Peter is extremely knowledgable! See map link for exact location. As is the case with most cities, your options for stargazing within Albuquerque are admittedly limited. While they are not holding any right now, the park also hosts Telescope Programs during the summer months. Clear view of the galaxy above at Cerrillos hills State Park stand nearly 7000 above. Have trouble finding plenty of areas offering pristine night skies measured in more than 90 parks. Traditional favorite for those who want to stay late and watch the night is. 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