ARCHAEOASTRONOMY OF CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

The May general meeting of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) will feature National Park Ranger G.B. Cornucopia. He will explain how the Chacoans utilized the night sky to maintain their culture. G.B. is an amateur astronomer and TAAS member. He has spent more than 30 years studying the archaeoastronomy of the park. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., and it will take place in Regener Hall on the University of New Mexico Albuquerque campus. The TAAS Web site, http://www.taas.org, has meeting details and a downloadable map to Regener Hall. Call 505-254-TAAS for information.

 

NIGHT SKY OBSERVING AT CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) and the National Park Service will co-host evenings of free public stargazing at Chaco Observatory on May 23, and September 19, 2009. The dark skies of the park and the instruments at the observatory together provide great views of planets as well as deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. The park also hosts evening observing programs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from April thru October. Observing begins at 8 p.m., weather permitting, and is suitable for all ages. Park rangers give presentations about the archaeoastronomy of the Chaco culture. Admission to the park costs $8 per car load. There is no additional fee for admission to the evening observing programs.

 

The park is located in Northwestern New Mexico. The recommended access route to the park is from the North, via US 550 (formerly NM 44) and County Road (CR) 7900, and CR 7950. From the North, turn from US 550 at CR 7900--3 miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 8 miles of paved road (CR 7900) and 13 miles of uneven dirt road (CR7950). For more information, visit the Chaco Culture National Historical Park (CCNHP) website at http://www.nps.gov/chcu or call the CCNHP at (505) 786-7014. You may search the website for “night sky” to find additional information about the night sky program at CCNHP.

 

EXPLORA ADULT NIGHT

Friday, May 15, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., is Adult Night at the Explora Science Center in Albuquerque, across from Tiguex Park. Peer through the telescopes that will be setup, weather permitting, on the West deck. Perhaps you will see Saturn, which is currently in the constellation, Leo. To obtain a map to the park, visit http://www.cabq.gov. For information about Explora Science Center, visit http://www.explora.us.

 

STARGAZING IN THE MANZANO MOUNTAINS

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) and the Sandia Ranger District will co-host an evening of free public stargazing in the Manzano Mountains on Saturday, May 30, at Oak Flat. Other 2009 event dates in this popular Saturday evening stargazing series are June 27, July 25, August 15, and September 12. The dark skies of the East Mountains and the large telescopes of TAAS astronomers together provide great views of planets, as well as deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Observing begins at sunset, weather permitting, and is suitable for all ages. Picnic facilities are available for those who would like to come early, and adjacent parking is available. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed in the telescope viewing area. To get there, take NM Highway 337 nine miles south of the Tijeras exit on I-40, and follow the signs to Oak Flat and Juniper Loop. For information, visit http://www.taas.org or call 505-254-TAAS.

 

Enjoy dark skies,

Melissa Kirk

Secretary and Public Relations Coordinator

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society