PEEC News:The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is working with the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL) to offer another free chance to observe the night sky from the Valles Caldera this fall.
Saturday, Oct. 14, VALL will open the gates at 6:30 p.m. for this special, free event and close the gates at 8 p.m. to reduce light pollution and enjoy star gazing until 10 p.m. PEEC astronomers and VALL park rangers will point out constellations, planets, and other celestial objects with the help of telescopes and lasers.
The Valles Caldera offers some of the darkest skies in our area and is a great place to get a better look at the night sky on clear nights. PEEC astronomers Galen Gisler, Dave North, Akkana Peck, and Rick Wallace, along with VALL park rangers, will use lasers to reveal constellations and other celestial objects visible to the naked eye. They will also set up telescopes to give a closer look at planets, star clusters, and celestial objects visible that night.
VALL Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and will close by 8:00 p.m. in order to lessen light pollution in the event area, so please come early! The preserve will close by 10:00 p.m. Temperatures will drop once the sun goes down, so bundle up in layers. Please assure flashlights or headlamps have a red lens or red covering to safeguard night vision. The Valle Grande Bookstore, managed by Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, will have hot drinks and snacks, as well as books and gifts, available for purchase. As parking is limited, please carpool if possible. In the case of poor weather, the event may end early or be canceled.
This event is free to the public, aside from the VALL entrance fee. No registration is required. To attend, meet at the Valles Caldera National Preserve Visitor Center between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. For more information about this and other Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) programs, visit www.peecnature.org, email programs@peecnature.org or call (505).662.0460.
