Caverns Partners with National Public Observatory for "Stars in the Parks"

Date: May 12, 2006
Contact: Bridget Litten, 505.785.3024

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in partnership with the National Public Observatory’s “Stars in the Parks” program, will host an evening of star gazing on Saturday, May 20. John Gilkison, president of the NPO, will provide a tour of the night sky at 9:15 p.m. Afterward, a telescope will be available to view planets, clusters and galaxies. All activities will end at 10:45 p.m.

The park is perfect for viewing the wonders of the night sky due to its location away from the lights of the local communities. On Saturday night, the NPO will provide an opportunity for visitors to see for themselves what is visible in the night skies of southeastern New Mexico and just what an extraordinary resource this truly is.

Everyone is invited to attend and encouraged to bring jackets and blankets, lawn chairs and a favorite pair of binoculars. Since bright headlights impair night vision, we ask that all participants arrive no later that 9 p.m. This event will be held in the main (or east) parking lot in front of the visitor center, with parking limited to the lot nearest the visitor center restaurant. The visitor center and cave will not be open.

For further information, please, contact Shannan Marcak at 505.785.3134.