Go Stargazing in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

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Since 1991, Chaco Culture NHP has offered astronomy in its public interpretive programs. Programs emphasize the practices of the Chacoan people a thousand years ago, as well as modern approaches to viewing the same night sky they viewed--in a remote environment with clear, dark skies, and free from urban light pollution. Astronomy also provides an opportunity to protect park resources. The park retrofitted all park lighting to reduce light pollution and enhance night sky viewing. In 1993, the park designated the night sky as a critical natural resource to be protected and has worked on efforts to reduce the threat of urban light pollution in the Southwest. The park's natural nighttime darkness, commitment to reducing light pollution, and ongoing public outreach led to its certification as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association on August 19, 2013. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is the twelfth park to receive the designation worldwide and only the fourth unit of the U.S. National Park System. The park established an on-going partnership with the Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) in 1991. In January 1997, TAAS member John Sefick brought his astronomy equipment to Chaco. He was so impressed with the skies above Chaco that he donated a domed observatory and equipment to the park. The Chaco Night Sky Program: The park began constructing a permanent observatory at the visitor center in 1997. In May 1998, the park dedicated the Chaco Observatory. The observatory added a new dimension to Chaco's interpretation of astronomy and now serves many different people: Over 3,000 visitors and school groups annually attend public astronomy programs. Amateur astronomers help monitor levels of light pollution in the region and use Charged Coupled Device (CCD) imaging systems to image deep-space objects. Volunteers help the park present programs on Chacoan connections, our scientific understanding of the universe, and the hands-on use of a telescope. Hundreds of enthusiastic visitors, astronomers, and members of the Albuquerque Astronomical Society participate in bi-annual Star Parties, usually held in the dark times of May and October. Hundreds of visitors learn about the excitement of Astronomy as well as the importance of ending light pollution at the annual Astronomy Festival each September. Schedule: April through October: Evening Night Sky Programs are presented on Friday and Saturday evenings at sunset. The programs begin with staff presentations on archaeoastronomy, cultural history, and other topics, and are followed by telescope viewing of celestial objects. Spring Equinox: Program is presented at Casa Rinconada, a Chacoan great kiva, at sunrise. Join park staff to observe the alignment of the building with the equinox sunrise. Summer Solstice: Sunrise program is presented at Casa Rinconada, a Chacoan great kiva. Join park staff to observe the sunrise and the solstice marker of light inside the kiva. Autumn Equinox: Program is held at Casa Rinconada, a Chacoan great kiva, at sunrise. Join park staff to observe the alignment of the building with the equinox sunrise. Winter Solstice: Observe a winter solstice alignment. Park at the Pueblo del Arroyo parking area and walk 1/8 of a mile to Kin Kletso. Experience the winter solstice sunrise at this Chacoan Great House.

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