Carlsbad, NM - Brantley Lake State Park has wonderful camping facilities and dark night skies, making it a perfect location for a two-day astronomy event beginning Friday, October 17th from 6:30 to 11 p.m.

"This is the perfect time of year to enjoy Brantley Lake State Park," said Interpretive Ranger Kathryn Law. "Astronomy, camping, boating-we have it all!"

Special programs at the group shelter in the East Side Day Use Area will begin at dusk, followed by telescope viewing and laser constellation tours. On Saturday afternoon, visitors can safely view the sun through a large telescope with solar filters at 4 p.m.

Regular entrance fees to the park apply. Brantley Lake State Park is 12 miles north of Carlsbad on Highway 285 and east on Capitan Reef Road.

Always make safety your number one priority-being prepared on the water and wearing lifejackets saves lives. The State Parks Division offers FREE boating safety classes around the state and on-line throughout the year.

For more information about YOUR New Mexico State Parks, visit www.nmparks.com or call toll free at 1-888-NMPARKS.