Peter loves astronomy, and his enthusiasm is infectious! There are beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views. Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? Dramatic ancient lava flows, towering cinder cones, and underground lava tubes are the first things that come to mind when thinking of the El Malpais National Monument. 2-Hour Photography Class While Touring Downtown Santa Fe, Smart Phones Welcome! Their skyward observations are reflected in the layout of their buildings, at their ceremonial sites, and in the petroglyphs they created. place full of wonder, intrigue, fascinating history, and, of course, ridiculously beautiful places. Seeing how the Milky Way rises into the night sky above ancestral Pueblo ruins is an unforgettable experience. Theres wildlife galore besides the archaeological site (you can even see tarantulas in autumn!) Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA. 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 Generally though expect 35-45 minutes from central Santa Fe. 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. Also, please remember that traffic or road conditions may be a factor. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Start your stargazing New Mexico trip with an RV rental from Cruise Americas Albuquerque pickup location. These are popular spots that where you may meet other stargazers or can even attend events an star parties being hosted! If you have questions, call me at 505-577-7141. The rocks are the result of a volcanic eruption 34.9 million years ago. Here in New Mexico, we still have skies that are clear and dark enough to explore the many fascinating jewels of the night. Read on to find the best spots in the state for stargazing! I look forward to sharing the beauty and majesty of the New Mexico night sky with you. 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. Stargazing and studying the night sky isnt a new activity in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. Our professional guides will entertain you with tales of the stars, constellations and planets that have been passed down for hundreds of years. The Very Large Array is one of the worlds largest radio observatories. If a suitable opening occurs, I will get in touch. The range of topics covered, and the depth to which they were covered, was truly impressive. Another must-do when it comes to night sky watching in New Mexico is Clayton Lake State Park, which has the distinguishment of being New Mexicos first official Dark Sky Park. About 1-1.25 hours from Albuquerque. Where is the nearest night sky star viewing near truth or consequences. During colder months, youll witness an impressive sky full of stars and the Milky Way above the adobe ruins at Fort Union. Designated as New Mexicos first dark sky park in 2010, Clayton Lake State Park is a Gold level International Dark Sky Park and has its own 14-inch Mead telescope. How to use stargazing in a sentence. Highly recommend! Do you know of any other great places for stargazing in New Mexico, or have questions about these ones? Thanks for your comment! They last an hour and take place at the Juniper Campground Amphitheater parking lot. Another park ranger by day, astronomer by night. Okay, so, where specifically are all the best spots for star gazing in New Mexico? While youre free to find a spot and set up your telescope, Cosmic Campground hosts star parties during the summer, where professional and amateur astronomers show visitors celestial phenomena. It has over 242,555-acres of rugged landscape, so you have a plethora of spots to set your telescope. Stargazing in New Mexico is an ancient and authentic experience. Peter led our small group in a wonderful exploration of the gorgeous night sky outside of Santa Fe. 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 volcanic rim offers panoramic views of four different states and one of the darkest night skies in the country. The sky often looks more like a movie set, rendered by an artist that might be under the influence of something. You will feel up close to the dark sky on these high hills. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. 3 Baths. Clayton Lake State Park & Dinosaur Trackways, 17. Within an hour of Albuquerque, youll be able to reach some even more impressive stargazing spots. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge has 57,331 acres of wilderness. While the Natural History Center generally isnt open to the public, you can check their website to see any upcoming public programs including stargazing events and plan your trip accordingly. 5. After making a short trip to New Mexico in 2021 to view the first Virgin Galactic launch with Sir Richard Branson aboard, I was hooked on exploring more of this southwestern state. The Visitor Center Parking Area is the best place to park your vehicle for stargazing at Capulin Volcano. Inside, theres a 14 Meade Telescope. The Albuquerque Astronomical Society frequently comes here for its high altitudes and desert environment. Name Site/City Best Times of Year to Go Stargazing in Albuquerque. Improve this listing Full view When it comes to major cities, Albuquerque is one of the best places for a stargazer to live. The observatory features outstanding facilities. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science hosts stargazing events on a monthly basis. It is Whoagotta pull over, unbelievable, jaw dropping, off world, surreal magnificence. The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is an environmental education center located just twenty miles east of Albuquerque. Thanks Peter for this fun expirience. Sitting off of U.S. Highway 180, Cosmic Campground is a 3.5-acre site with an important astronomical heritage. Its also a certified Dark Sky Park. Canada's most accurate local weather forecasts and weather information for Canadian, U.S., and International cities. You can also find occasional stargazing events being held here. hard to say precisely without knowing where you are starting the drive from. 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. This way, you wont have to deal with any excess light interfering with your view. No matter your level, if you have a passion for the night sky, you cant miss this place. I do keep a waitlist. Perhaps, thats why you can find a lot of International Dark Sky Parks here. San Jos de Gracia Church in Las Trampas is one of New Mexicos best examples of 18th century Spanish Colonial architecture. The park is an oasis in the rolling grasslands of northeastern New Mexico. Dear friends and lovers of the night sky, after 20 years of exploring the starry deeps, we are shifting away from weekly tours and moving ahead with a different business model. Theres no need to worry about any light pollution at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area also has campgrounds near the rivers edge. For the best stargazing experience, you want to wait until theres a New Moon in the sky. What a unique and special way to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, graduation or other celebration. You can easily see this through the buildings orientations, internal geometry, and the petroglyphs they carved. Stargazing is optimal every other month of the year too. We have 4 adults. Dark Skies New Mexico is an astronomers dream. Our compact plus unit is a fully self-contained RV. In order to test . OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Located on the Plains of San Agustin, the Very Large Array is a world-leading astronomical radio observatory. Our safe and secure viewing site is an easy drive from Santa Fe. The park is a short drive from Santa Fe and offers excellent group facilities and campsites. Love New Mexico? The phenomena of dark sky, coveted by astronomers, is the norm in New Mexico. The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary provides visitors with unmatched New Mexico stargazing opportunities. It is among the top 20 darkest night skies measured in more than 90 national parks. Whereas there is light emanating from Alamogordo and the dunes reflect moonlight more radiantly than most places, the waves of gypsum dunes under the night sky merely add to the ambiance. We aren't the first people to watch the skies. Those who want to stay late without camping must request a permit to stay late and watch the night sky. The StarGazer 2 - 2.5 hours Live Music Departs from Santa Fe Join us after dark on a trip to the Galisteo Basin to view the amazing New Mexico night sky! Occasionally star parties are hosted, so check the schedule if youd like to attend. They also installed motion sensors and shields on light fixtures. Browse the navigation bar to learn more about Astronomy Adventures. Santa Fe, NM Hourly . New Mexico skies are so spectacular that an astronomy community has emerged near Silver City. Rates begin at $400 per night plus applicable tax. However, it is possible to see it in almost any spot mentioned within two hours of Albuquerque if the conditions are right. It runs every year from January 1st to January 5th, but it peaks on the night of the 3rd. TOURISM Santa Fe Santa Fe Community Convention Center 201 W. Marcy St. Santa Fe, NM 87501 800-777-2489 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. Seriously good experience with a superior individual. Can You See the Milky Way in Albuquerque? There are a lot, so well name just a few of the most beloved ones. Let me know in the comments. However, this location also sits under some of the darkest skies in New Mexico. Music Festivals in the Northeast You Need to Attend in 2023, Music Festivals in the Pacific Northwest You Need to Attend in 2023, Music Festivals in the Southwest You Need to Attend in 2023, Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon: How to Make it Unique. Among the states of the Southwestern U.S., New Mexico is often overlooked especially when it comes to stargazing and astronomy. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge consists of 30,000 acres of wilderness. The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuaryis easily accessible from U.S. Highway 180 between Alma and Reserve. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains act as a barrier, mitigating the light pollution coming from Santa Fe. $1,585,000. The Southwests first urban wildlife refuge, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, is a prime spot to go stargazing. A traditional motorhome with the self-contained features you expect, units in the USA even include a power generator. Bring all of the comforts and modern conveniences of home with you on your New Mexico stargazing trip with a Cruise America RV rental. But, as we are dependent on the actions of other people, it is hard for me to predict or make promises about whether or not spots will open. The largest chamber in North America, the Big Room is almost 4000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This observatory can be found on the New Mexico Tech campus and is home to the NMT Astronomy Club. Many people dont know that it is also an excellent place to go stargazing in New Mexico. If you are expecting the lush green camping often associated with Gila camping, don't. Visit their website:Valles Caldera National Preserve. Our kiddo was so impressed that we were able to view so many different types of stellar phenomena, and even different galaxies. Actual tour length can vary due to group size, questions to address and viewing conditions. The park offers activities for every taste, including mountain biking, wildlife viewing, birding, and, of course, stargazing. This peaceful, starry, quiet place was the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Northern Hemisphere. The community has implemented covenants in the homeowner association bylaws restricting light to protect the dark sky phenomena that makes their location special. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Cosmic Campground, 33.4792463100206, -108.92268895185092, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA. 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. See map link for exact location. Pick up a Cruise America RV rental from our convenient Albuquerque location and get started on your road trip! I look forward to sharing the beauty and majesty of the New Mexico night sky with you. It was the first New Mexico State park to have its own observatory! Five sites in New Mexico have been certified as dark places by the International Dark-Sky Association. The regular booking calendar has been discontinued as I transition Astronomy Adventures to its new form. The nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 30 miles away in Arizona. 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. Your e-mail will not be used for any other purpose. In December 2019, the International Dark-Sky Association named El Morro a certified International Dark Sky Park (IDSP). The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science hosts stargazing events on a monthly basis. Besides preserving the monument, the site has excelled at preserving the quality of its dark skies. Today, Chaco's night skies and the park's observatory, draw visitors from around the world who come to see sky views rarely seen elsewhere. The Fort Union National Monument is one of our newer designated Dark Sky zones, having been officialized in 2019. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge is a 30,000-acre landmass full of dark areas for some of the best New Mexico stargazing. On August 19, 2013, the International Dark-Sky Association designated Chaco Culture an International Dark Sky Park. Banner Photo by Steven Miller, Astrophotographer. Each antenna has a diameter of82 feet. Definitely science based. If you can, join a Ranger for a moonlight hike of the volcano rim! That was before we even looked through the telescope, which revealed Uranus, star clusters, nebulae and more. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! Cosmology was crucial in Chacoans lives, and they even erected their buildings in relation to the cycles of the sun and moon. Brandie is a freelance writer and digital media strategist. If you have been to northeastern New Mexico, you have probably seen, Park rangers at Capulin frequently hold "Park After Dark" events where they discuss the mysteries of the dark skies over New Mexico. Ft. 1860 Forest Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. They have numerous telescopes, including a 20-inch Dobsonian inside a 15-foot dome and a Celestron C-14 on a Paramount GT-1100 mount. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. While waiting for the stars to come out at night, be sure to check out the dinosaur tracks near the lake spillway, including some of the most well-preserved trail drags anywhere in the U.S.! The park service often presents viewing parties and presentations on how our night sky differs from what the natives saw before the Spanish conquest. 801 Leroy Pl., Socorro, NM 87801, nmt.edu. During the day, the owner provides plenty of fun activities, like horseback riding. Clayton Lake State Park is most well known for its preserved dinosaur footprints. I am immensely grateful and honored to have worked with the thousands of people who have joined me. Placitas is a small town thats only thirty minutes away from Albuquerque. The International Dark-Sky Association designated the central New Mexico monument as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. 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. 1801 Mountain Rd. This economical family unit is a traditional favorite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. Information about Star Parties and other events can be found on its website:Capulin Volcano National Monument. It turns out that Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is also one of them. There is rarely cloud interference, because it rarely rains, which means low humidity, eliminating condensation that would impair visibility. The night sky viewing area at Capulin Volcano is recognized as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Place. Provides star tours on the Turquoise Trail with Peter, a park ranger by day, astronomer by night. However, the naked eye can observe the celestial wonders above without a telescope. That said, there are still ways to experience the night sky even if you cant head out of town. 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