Hosted by Magdalena, N.M. Chamber of Commerce
Magdalena, New Mexico GPS: 34.124224, -107.315520
22nd Annual Enchanted Skies Star Party, October 14 through 17, near Magdalena, New Mexico a true Gateway to the Stars!
Come enjoy up to four nights of dark sky observation alongside astronomers and be part of VIP tours to the Very Large Array. Night viewing will take place on Cibola National Forest land, just a few miles outside of the Village of Magdalena.
Located at an elevation of 6,785' (2,068m), Magdalena is a genuine dark sky site with regular sky background reading of 21.6-21.8 magnitudes per square arc-second. This is arguably one of the darkest sites in the conti- nental US, as well as one of the driest. There are many good observational reasons why the NRAO/Very Large Array and Magdalena Ridge Observatory are located nearby.
We may live in the mountains, but our dark sky site is dark, dry and has low, low horizons. (More astronomers are moving to Magdalena and setting up their own observatories.)
October 14-17 registration is $50 per adult for attending any or all nights. This includes the VIP tours to local observatories. A one-night option is ONLY available for Saturday October 17th with a registration of $15 per adult (no VIP tours). For either registration, children 17 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Advanced online registration is recommended. Dry camping and RV parking at the dark sky site and discounted lodging are available. Food available at the dark sky site or dine in Magdalena.
Daytime activities in Magdalena: Visit the "Trail's End" stockyard, Rock hound at Kelly Mine ghost town, or Take a guided ATV tour of scenic environs. Visit local galleries and shops for art, handmade treasures, antiques and rocks. Attend lectures, gaze through solar telescopes and discover amazing secrets of the sun.
They don't make places like this anymore!
In the words of the New Mexico Department of Tourism, Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Latham,"New Mexicans have so many things to be proud of; our clear skies are just one of them. There is no greater place on Earth to view the stars than in Magdalena, further reinforcing that New Mexico offers experiences that can be found nowhere else. We're proud to be a part of this event that brings New Mexico True to life in such a unique and beautiful way."
What to bring? Binoculars, telescopes, lawn chairs, red light flashlights, warm clothes, a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the Universe!
For registration, full list of activities, hotel information, go to www.enchantedskies.org or call Judy Stanley @ 505-515-5780 OR email: esspnm@gmail.com.
This event is hosted by The Magdalena Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Magdalena Astronomical Society, the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club, and the New Mexico Department of Tourism and Socorro County Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include Magdalena Lodgers Tax, City of Socorro, Socorro County Lodgers Tax and local business partners.