Fort Union star party Friday, Aug. 30. Courtesy/NM TrueNPS News:
WATROUS ― Fort Union will take advantage of its natural dark sky to host a star party 7:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30.
Immerse yourself in the culture and science of a natural night sky as rangers guide you through the remains of the old fort, and help you to identify distant stars and galaxies with the naked eye and telescope.
The program, weather permitting, will be held near the visitor center. Bring water, a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
The solitude, remoteness, and arid landscapes of Fort Union National Monument make it an ideal place for observing a natural dark sky. After sunset, the sky over the high prairie gives way to the glow of celestial bodies unaffected by the artificial light of distant communities.
To visit the monument take exit 366 of I-25 at Watrous on to State Highway 161, 8 miles west.
For more information, contact Fort Union National Monument at (505).425.8025. Visit www.nps.gov/foun.