The Village of Jemez Springs and Jemez Historic Site are hosting a series of Star Parties at the Site on the third Saturdays of each month – July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. Courtesy/Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS—After a three-year hiatus, the Village of Jemez Springs and Jemez Historic Site (Historic Site) are partnering once again to host a series of Star Parties at the Site on the third Saturdays of each month – July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.
The dates correspond to the New Moon cycle, when the moon is at its darkest, which reduces light that may interfere with night sky viewing. Also, this is one of the few locations without light pollution, which is prime for night sky viewing (weather dependent).
“We are excited to be partnering once again with Jemez Historic Site as well as the Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) and Los Alamos Astronomy Club to not only generate awareness about protecting our dark night skies from light pollution but to connect through stories by the ancient astronomers who first inhabited the land here,” Jemez Springs Mayor Roger Sweet said.
“Evenings at the Historic Site are always special and summer star parties are a great time to spend a weekend in Jemez Springs, connecting with the natural and cultural beauty of the site and region,” said Jemez Historic Site Regional Manager Elisabeth Stone.
On Saturday, July 15, doors open at 8 p.m. to the Historic Site. The Albuquerque Astronomical Society plans to bring volunteer astronomers and their telescopes to provide several viewing stations. A limit of only 300 people will be allowed into the Site so early purchase of tickets is recommended (link).
Beginning at 8 p.m. Instructional Coordinator Supervisor Marlon Magdalena will share a presentation about how the ancient people viewed the skies titled, “Looking to the Skies: Ancient Astronomers of the Southwest.” The presentation will be repeated at 9 p.m. and takes place inside the Site’s museum.
Jemez Pueblo vendors will be selling crafts and food near the entry to the Historic Site. For those who stay in Jemez Springs overnight, the Site will re-present “Looking to the Skies” the following day beginning at 10 a.m. at the Site. There is no fee for attendees that joined the star party; however, the normal $7 Historic Site entrance fee will be charged for Sunday-only visitors.
Tickets for the July 15 Star Party are $10 for adults and free for those 16 years and under. Tickets for the July event may be purchased now on the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department page at https://my.nmculture.org/20953/21047.
Parking is available at the Village Plaza as well as across the street from the Historic Site. No flash photography or flashlights are allowed unless using red light flashlights or if covered with red cellophane. Red cellophane will be available at the event.
Ticket sales for the August and September Star Parties will go on sale after July 1 at https://my.nmculture.org/events. Simply click on the date and submit.
The Star Party in August will be hosted by the Los Alamos Astronomy Club and will feature an opportunity to learn about nighttime photography. Vendors and crafts will also be made available at both the August and September Star Parties. October Star Party activities are still being determined.
All Star Parties are weather dependent. For any weather-related cancelations, attendees who purchased advance tickets will be notified via email. Please visit the Jemez Springs Facebook page for any updates at: https://www.facebook.com/JemezSprings. For more information about Star Parties, visit www.jemezsprings.org or https://nmhistoricsites.org/jemez.
