News Release

El Malpais National Monument Plans Winter Night Sky Programs

Date: November 20, 2017
Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 505-876-2783

Grants, NM – El Malpais National Monument is hosting educational programs focusing on the night sky from November, 2017 to February, 2018. One day each month, National Park Service Rangers will explore what can be seen in El Malpais’ pristine night sky. These 30-45 minute talks will be followed by outdoor telescope viewing.

The first Night Sky program will start at 5:30 pm on November 25, 2017 at the El Malpais Visitor Center. This presentation will focus on the Pleiades, including the many stories surrounding it and the unique astronomical characteristics of this star cluster. The talk will begin in a heated theater with visitors exiting the building after for telescope viewing. Please bring warm clothing and a red-colored lens flashlight.

Night Sky programs are also planned for December 16, 2017 January 20 and February 10, 2018. As these dates approach, more details will be released about each individual event.
Be sure to keep in mind that using the telescopes is weather dependent, and that this activity may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Please call 505-876-2783 for more information. The El Malpais Visitor Center, open Thursday through Monday, is located at 1900 East Santa Fe Avenue, Grants, NM. Visitors will find the Western National Parks Association park store in the visitor center. Purchases made in a park store allow the National Park Service to purchase items like the telescopes park rangers will be using at these events.