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. Santa Fe Stargazers is an amateur astronomy club located in Santa Fe, NM. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. Santa Fe, NM Hourly . Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is just 7 miles south of the city center of Albuquerque, and it has served as an urban oasis for both wildlife and people. 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? However, more recent studies attribute copper pitting to microbial induced corrosion (MIC). I highly recommend it! Keep reading to find out the best dark sky destinations in New Mexico and start planning your road trip! I look forward to sharing the beauty and majesty of the New Mexico night sky with you. Thanks for putting this together. If you dont have your own equipment or youre hoping for a guided adventure, join us for a Star Party.Star Parties are held April through September at the base of the Volcano andoccasionallyon the Volcano Rim. No more than one e-mail is sent daily, summarizing all the new posts from the previous day. Nearby similar homes. Start a dusk and end at what time? 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 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). Start your stargazing New Mexico trip with an RV rental from Cruise Americas Albuquerque pickup location. Puebloans built the Aztec West great house in alignment with the solstices. If you want to spend the night under the stars, then this is the place to go. This student group focuses on operating the observatory and hosting private and public star parties throughout the year, with the annual Enchanted Sky Star Party as the most popular. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge has 57,331 acres of wilderness. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. 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. Not to worry there are plenty more dark New Mexico skies to go around. Amateur astronomers wont find a better place to hold their stargazing session than Cosmic Campground. From Espaola, travel north on the road to Abiqui (84/285) for approximately 20 miles. Some of the hills in this state park stand nearly 7000 feet above sea level. As you can see, New Mexico is home to exquisite night skies all around. Thanks for stopping by and Clear Skies. Definitely worth the time & money. As you can see, you wont have trouble finding plenty of areas offering pristine night skies. The primitive campground is a flat, dirt site. Located on the Plains of San Agustin, the Very Large Array is a world-leading astronomical radio observatory. If a suitable opening occurs, I will get in touch. Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? So much so that Dark Skies New Mexico has become a popular destination for astrophotographers who chase the perfect shot of the Milky Way. Be certain to wear warm clothes as it does get cold in the evenings in Santa Fe, year round. In 2019, Fort Union National Monument became an International Dark Sky Park. The observatory is home to the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club. Its location was chosen in an effort to avoid light pollution, which makes it one of the best spots for stargazing in New Mexico. Craving some New Mexico stargazing? With the National Public Observatory, The park hosts one Star Party per month. 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. New Mexico Museum of Art. Highly recommend! I would highly recommend this to anyone traveling in the Santa Fe area, for sure. We recently did a night sky tour through Astronomy Adventures with our 9 year old, and it was truly incredible. And especially for the quality of darkness overhead once the hot sun sets. A tall, brown Forest Service Cosmic Campground sign sits halfway between mile marker 37 and 38. Enjoy boating, picnicking, camping, fishing and hiking. Highly recommend this tour! Hyde Memorial State Park was New Mexicos first state park and is a popular spot for hiking and camping. The night sky viewing area at Capulin Volcano is recognized as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Place. Read on to find the best stargazing spots in Albuquerque, NM. Pictured above, the VLA is one of the worlds premier astronomical radio observatories. In order to test . 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. Will be staying in Taos and want to know if there is a good place to see the night sky for star gazing. Star Parties are held every now and then, and anyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Turn right a few miles before Abiqui at the sign for El Rito and Northern New Mexico Community College. Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? The hosts offer the main ranch house, studio apartments, and RV hookups for guests who want to spend the night. Rangers and astronomy volunteers share all their knowledge about the cosmos and help guests get the best views of the stars. It has been a great run. $1,585,000. The explanations & telescope he has are outstanding. Peter was a wealth of knowledge and is clearly passionate about what he does. The largest chamber in North America, the Big Room is almost 4000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high. I would buy toe warmers or double up on socks because no matter how bundled up you are, your toes will feel it! Theres very little artificial light which ensures the dark skies can emerge in full force. However, this location also sits under some of the darkest skies in New Mexico. Spend a night under the stars without having to worry about any light pollution at this state park. We get together regularly and spontaneously for dark skyobservingusing everything from the naked eye, to binoculars, to telescopes large and small. The regular booking calendar has been discontinued as I transition Astronomy Adventures to its new form. Stargazing in New Mexico is an ancient and authentic experience. International Dark Sky Association. This economical family unit is a traditional favorite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. Designated as a dark sky park in 2021, Valles Caldera National Preserve is New Mexicos newest International Dark Sky Park. 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. 3 Baths. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge is a 30,000-acre landmass full of dark areas for some of the best New Mexico stargazing. Before diving into the telescope viewing, rangers and astronomers give presentations on archaeoastronomy and cultural history. Check the, Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico 88418, USA. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 3 Beds. The Gran Quivira has the best seats to see the sky, and you can easily spot stars, planets, and the Milky Way with the naked eye. Drive to a T, turn left and go past some buildings and into the field where the Observatory is located. Despite being located just north of Santa Fe, its still an excellent place for stargazing. Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV. The Salinas basin formed ancient salt beds from which the monument derives its name and drew early inhabitants. If you want to make a weekend of your stargazing expedition and are willing to drive up to two hours out from Albuquerque, youll be well rewarded with stunning dark skies and other stargazing-related experiences. Our professional guides will entertain you with tales of the stars, constellations and planets that have been passed down for hundreds of years. Because of New Mexicos desert environment, you can go stargazing at nearly any time during the year. The International Dark-Sky Association designated the central New Mexico monument as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. The telescope is connected to a remote television monitor so groups can see the starry images. 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. We have 4 adults. A 1.42 hectare (3.5 acre) site in the Gila National Forest of western New Mexico, U.S. Dear friends and lovers of the night sky, after 21 years of exploring the starry deeps, we have shifted from weekly tours and are working a different business model. Please contact them for public viewing programs and hours. The Refuge is famous for being home to tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. Not all observatories may be open to the public. Let me know in the comments. Seeing how the Milky Way rises into the night sky above ancestral Pueblo ruins is an unforgettable experience. When the sun sets, rangers invite everyone to join the Star Walks and the meteor shower viewing. The New Mexico Skies Astronomy Enclave is 20 miles north of Deming, or 30 miles south of Silver City on highway 180, near the City of Rocks State stargazingPark. The International Dark-Sky Association named Capulin Volcano National Monument a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in 2016. Visit this small town for some of the best stargazing near Albuquerque. Please contact them for any public outreach programs. His location is very dark, so we got our first view of the Milky Way and amazing constellations in years. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, 18. Two of the 5 certified dark spots in NM are open (though you need to call Salinas Pueblo mission national monument in order to stargaze) but they are both a 2-3hour drive. The Fort Union National Monument is one of our newer designated Dark Sky zones, having been officialized in 2019. 2y. 740 Hyde Park Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87501, emnrd.state.nm.us. The 275 square miles of glistening wave-like dunes of gypsum sand are enough reason to visit White Sands National Park. You can expect to see up to 40 meteors streaking across the sky per hour. Pick up a Cruise America RV rental from our convenient Albuquerque location and get started on your road trip! 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. Read our guide to New Mexico stargazing locations to learn helpful tips and find the best spots to stop for viewing the stars. Its pitch-dark skies allow stargazers to see the stars like they never have before. 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. Its also a certified Dark Sky Park. Since its opening, its main goal has been to prove that people and wildlife can coexist sustainably. 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. It is important to recognize that Chaco Canyon is the sacred ancestral homelands of the Ancient Puebloans and continues to have a history of profound importance to their living descendants. Stop by the visitor center in Jasper, as it has on-site telescopes. You will feel up close to the dark sky on these high hills. As a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Park, Capulin Volcano boasts one of the best in New Mexico. Those who want to stay late without camping must request a permit to stay late and watch the night sky. It runs every year from January 1st to January 5th, but it peaks on the night of the 3rd. Many people dont know that it is also an excellent place to go stargazing in New Mexico. Observing. Eco-friendly abode near galleries in Madrid (from USD 75) Show all photos Nature surrounds this beautiful abode in Madrid, Santa Fe. Like most observatories, the campus authorities built the observatory strategically, as far as possible from light pollution, making it one of the best spots for stargazing in New Mexico. Capulin Volcano National Monument National monumentNear Capulin. Offers dark skies amidst the basalt lava flows of Bandera. 6. This farmland is isolated from city lights and is a wide-open space to go stargazing. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Its one of the newest International Dark Sky Parks, earning its designation in 2021. Santa Fe, New Mexico Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Each antenna has a diameter of82 feet. It used to be open to the public for tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Hyde Memorial State Park is also a nice place to spend the night. Improve this listing Full view The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is an environmental education center located just twenty miles east of Albuquerque. The hills at this state park stand nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and make for great stargazing points. You should see the dome-shaped Observatory in a field on the left just before the campus. OPEN TODAY, 12PM TO 2PM. The park service often presents viewing parties and presentations on how our night sky differs from what the natives saw before the Spanish conquest. It does happen sometimes and may be short notice. It can be found in the Jemez Mountains and is comprised of 89,000 incredible acres of the most beautiful wilderness in New Mexico. Among the states of the Southwestern U.S., New Mexico is often overlooked especially when it comes to stargazing and astronomy. There are beautiful hiking trails with spectacular views. 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. Bring the family for a star party, as park rangers use the parks telescopes to look deep into the star-filled sky over the Monument. New Mexico, in general, is one of the best states in the country for stargazing. The uniquely designed, new Visitor Center includes a large display area and modern restrooms with hot showers. Want to go stargazing in New Mexico? Thanks to its oasis-like water source, El Morro became a popular resting place for travelers who left their marks. However, the naked eye can observe the celestial wonders above without a telescope. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, and while its not the capital city, it is the one most travelers will visit. While stargazing in New Mexico, youll get a sense of the vast galactic clock that has been ticking since before time and the marks that have been left by planetary forces and humans too. Its the same reason ten percent of the state is visible from the top of Sandia Peak without binoculars. Clayton Lake State Park is located north of Clayton, New Mexico and is known for its wide open skies, fishing derbies, and dinosaur tracks. Let me know in the comments! To keep the area viewing-friendly, headlights and white light are not permitted after dark. Theres wildlife galore besides the archaeological site (you can even see tarantulas in autumn!) Is the experience more scientific or storytelling/folklore about the constellations? 801 Leroy Pl., Socorro, NM 87801, nmt.edu. Here in the Land of Enchantment, we celebrate our dark skies and relish in the starlight. 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. Located north of Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park is New Mexicos first state park and offers visitors clear views of the New Mexico night sky. Bandelier National Monument is another top New Mexico stargazing spot. 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. Make sure you check out their website for any updates. During the summer months, their staff holds stargazing sessions on most Saturday nights. Eight years later, the famous. The community has implemented covenants in the homeowner association bylaws restricting light to protect the dark sky phenomena that makes their location special. Part of why the monument enjoys pristine dark skies is due to the Manzano Mountains, which curtails the skyglow and light pollution of Albuquerque and metropolitan areas along the I-25 corridor produce. Peter loves astronomy, and his enthusiasm is infectious! You can learn more about my mission here or read about me and the rest of the team here. This economical family unit is a traditional favorite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. 1801 Mountain Rd. While it fits more adventurous stargazers, it might be worth considering since the parks operating hours vary by season. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! The observatorys several scopes are then turned skyward to view what has made Chaco a haven for amateur astronomers and anyone who wants to connect to this celestial cultural resource. Also, El Morro has put a lot of effort into protecting its dark skies and educating visitors about their importance. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge consists of 30,000 acres of wilderness. The Hyde Memorial State Park is next on our list of stargazing New Mexico destinations. 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. Read on to learn about the best stargazing spots in Albuquerque and the surrounding regions of New Mexico. Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA. There are a lot, so well name just a few of the most beloved ones. Once you arrive (make sure you follow the directions on their website), find a comfortable spot to set up your telescope. The soaring mountains allow exceptional views of Venus and Mercury, along with many constellations popularized in native art and lore (like Orion, Gemini, and Taurus). Observatoryof the University of New Mexico. No visit to Santa Fe should be considered complete without a stargazing evening at Astronomy Adventures. 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stargazing near santa fe, new mexico
