NPS News:JEMEZ SPRINGS — Valles Caldera National Preserve will be hosting two star parties this fall 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.
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,” Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said. “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 Facebook www.facebook.com/VallesCaldera.
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the approximately 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history. Visit us at www.nps.gov/vall and on Facebook www.facebook.com/VallesCaldera/.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.
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