Dark Sky Programs

Milky Way visible amongst stars with darkened church remnants in the foreground.
The Milky Way visible at Gran Quivira

NPS Photo by Park Guide Alex Arnold

Immaculate Night Sky


In the United States, there are limited places where you can visibly see the Milky Way galaxy with your own eyes. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is one of those places you can experience the breathtaking sight of the Milky Way because of minimal light pollution. The Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira units of the park offer exceptional dark skies, which led to the park receiving its DarkSky International accreditation in 2016.

How Can I Experience the Darkness?

Although the park grounds close at 4:00 pm in the winter and 5:00 pm in the summer, there are still opportunities to experience the night sky at the park. Throughout the year from April through October, park staff and volunteers host dark sky programs at the park units. These programs usually consist of a ranger guided sunset mission and pueblo walk, stargazing opportunities with the park telescopes, a dark sky photography workshop, and more!

2024 Dark Sky Events at Salinas Pueblo Missions

Date

Location

Time

May 7th Quarai 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
June 7th Abó 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
July 5th Abó 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
August 3rd Quarai 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
September 2nd Abó 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
October 3rd Abó 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm







How Can I Prepare for a Dark Sky Event?

  • Arrive at the location of the event and meet park staff and volunteers at the site location's visitor center
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Bring any stargazing gear like binoculars
  • Bring your cameras
  • Check the park website and social medias for event changes/cancellations
  • Bring red filtered flashlights to help navigate without impairing others
  • When on-site, be sure to stay on the marked trails at all times for both nature's and your protection
 
The Milky way galaxy with surrounding stars and church remnants in the foreground.
Milky Way galaxy diving behind the remnants of the church of San Gregorio de Abó II

NPS Photo by Park Guide Alex Arnold

Stargazing Tips

Local sunset and sunrise times change with the seasons, and weather can vary, so remember to plan ahead before each event.

Year-Round Visible Features

  • The Moon
  • Milky Way Galaxy
  • Satellites
  • Meteor showers

Summer Sky Features

  • Milky Way Galaxy is best visible
  • Constellations: Sagittarius, Scorpius, Ursa major (Big Dipper), Ursa minor (Little Dipper), Corona Borealis, Cygnus
  • Planets: Jupiter and Saturn

Winter Sky Features

  • Clearest skies
  • Constellations: Orion, Cassiopeia, Taurus, Gemini
  • Planets: Venus and Mars
  • Other Stars: Pleiades star cluster, Sirius

How Can You Help Protect the Night Skies at Home

  • Install motion activated, fully shielded outdoor lighting
  • Use warm colored, LED bulbs
  • Switch off any unneccesary lighting at home

 
 

Last updated: November 6, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
PO Box 517
105 South Ripley Avenue

Mountainair, NM 87036-0517

Phone:

505 847-2585 x220
Headquarters Visitor Center Front Desk

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