Event

Third Annual Astronomy Festival

  • Multiple Days: 09/21/2018, 09/22/2018, 09/23/2018 Location: Chaco Culture National Historical Park , Fee Information: Park Entrance Fee Contact Name: Hilary Grabowska Contact Email: E-Mail Us
    Friday, September 21

    10am- Pueblo Bonito tour
              Explore the largest and most excavated great house in the canyon.
    12:30-4pm- Piedra del Sol talk 
              Learn about a petroglyph that might depict a total solar eclipse. 
    2pm- Fajada Butte Talk
              Learn about the geologic and cultural history of Fajada Butte. 
    7pm- Guest Speaker: Dan Kinglesmith
             A retired NASA Astronomer, Dan will discus asteroid light curve determinations. 


    Saturday, September 22

    6:15am- Gates will open for the first 100 visitors to see the sunrise alignment on the Fall Equinox. 
    10am-2pm- Piedra del Sol talk
    10am- Pueblo Bonito tour
    2pm- Casa Rinconada tour
             A Ranger will elad you around the largest ceremonial kiva in the canyon.
    3pm- Planetarium Show
             Dr. Erica Ellingson will present a planetarium show about Chaco Canyon in the Visitor Center. 
    7pm- Keynote Speaker: Marlon Magdalena
             A member of the Jemez Pueblo, Marlon will discuss Pueblo beliefs about certain astronomical objects. Telescope viewing to follow. 


    Sunday, September 23

    7:30am- Supernova Hike
              Join a Ranger for a guided hike out to the famous "Supernova" pictograph site. 
    10am- Pueblo Bonito tour
    10:30-1:30pm- Piedra del Sol talk
    2pm- Guest Speaker: Andy Munro
              Dr. Munro will discuss how the "Great Houses" of Chaco Canyon demonstrate that the people who built in the canyon were keenly interested in their place in the cosmos.