Event

Night Sky Exploration at Chiricahua

• 04/14/2018 Location: Bonita Canyon Campground/Echo Canyon Parking Lot, Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Fee Information: Free Contact Name: Chiricahua NM Staff Contact Email: E-Mail Us Contact Phone Number: 520-824-3560
  The night sky party April 14 will begin with an illustrated program 6:30 pm at the Bonita Canyon Campground Amphitheater. Jim O’Connor from TAAA (Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association) will be presenting “What’s to See Up There?” an illustrated talk to prepare participants for what they might expect to experience during the telescope viewing.
  
  
  From 7:30 to 9:30 pm members of TAAA will have several telescopes set up at the Echo Canyon parking lot 5.5 miles beyond the visitor center. Participants should expect to see the planets; Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter, plus galaxies millions of light years away. There should be awesome views of the Orion Nebula which is a star nursery, star clusters like Hercules, double star systems, and the constellations; Gemini, Orion, and Cassiopeia. Drive yourself to the Echo Canyon parking lot or limited shuttle service will be available leaving from the visitor center parking lot at 7:00 pm and Bonita Canyon Campground restrooms at 7:10 pm. Call the visitor center staff at 520-824-3560 x9302 to register for this service.   
  
  
  Participants should bring drinks, snacks, a portable chair or blanket to sit upon, flashlight with a red filter if possible, and dress warmly.
  
  Chiricahua National Monument is located 4 miles east of the AZ HWY 181and 186 junction, and 37 miles southeast of Willcox. Check www.nps.gov/chir for more park information, or call the visitor center staff at 520-824-3560 ext. 9302. For details about the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, visit www.tucsonastronomy.org.