Valles Caldera National Preserve will be hosting two star parties this fall on Saturday, September 23rdfrom 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Saturday, October 14th from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. To minimize light pollution, gates will close 1.5 hours after the event begins, so late arrivals risk not being able to participate.
These star parties will take place near the Valle Grande Entrance Station. Park staff and educators from the Pajarito Environmental Education Center will provide short talks, telescopes for viewing, and youth activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring personal telescopes, blankets, and chairs for their stargazing pleasure. The Valle Grande Bookstore, operated by Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, will have hot drinks and snacks, as well as books and gifts, available for purchase.
“We are excited to share these remarkable night skies with our visitors," said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “The preserve’s distance from nearby towns allows for almost unimpaired star gazing."
Although light-use should be limited as much as possible, visitors are encouraged to come prepared with a red-tinted light source. Visitors should also dress in layers, as nighttime temperatures regularly drop to 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit.
As weather cannot be predicted this far in advance, visitors are advised to come prepared for all conditions. Any event cancellations or early closings will be posted through alerts on the preserve’s website www.nps.gov/vall and on Facebookwww.facebook.com/VallesCaldera.
Tags: valles caldera national preserve valles caldera star parties stargazing family activities
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
