Star-studded affairs: Valles Caldera National Preserve, Capulin Volcano National Monument offering dark sky events for cosmic viewing

Since it was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, the Valles Caldera National Preserve has provided visitors with opportunities to experience the night skies at the northern New Mexico Park.

One such chance will occur on Friday, Sept. 6, for an event entitled “Stargazing in the Caldera.” During the program, attendees will be able to learn about stars, constellations and planetary bodies. While the event is free, advance registration is required, and it typically reaches capacity.

Star-studded affairs: Valles Caldera National Preserve, Capulin Volcano National Monument offering dark sky events for cosmic viewing

“With this one, it’s really about being able to really appreciate the night sky, to be able to see the stars, see the Milky Way, learn about the importance of the night sky both from an ecological standpoint, but also from some cultural perspectives as well,” says Dave Krueger, who is director of interpretation at the park.

Places such as the Valles Caldera that are Dark Sky-certified are “required to use quality outdoor lighting, effective policies to reduce light pollution, ongoing stewardship practices and more,” according to darksky.org. In other words, a Dark Sky park is a location that is dedicated to protecting the night sky in as many ways as possible.

Those who take part in the “Stargazing at the Caldera” program will learn more about this process from park rangers that oversee the event.

“They introduce folks to the importance of the night sky, culturally and in the natural world, talking about how we’re in an International Dark Sky Park, and then there’s always some good messaging about light pollution and what people can do to help reduce light pollution,” Krueger said.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescope if they own one, but Krueger says that volunteers from local astronomy clubs are often on hand to provide multiple means for viewing. Additionally, guests should also have their own red light, which can usually be found in the outdoor section of a sporting goods store. Some headlamps or flashlights are equipped with a red-light setting.

“Our eyes need time to adjust to the dark. And so if people have white lights or even their cell phones, it causes our eyes to not be able to see as well in the night,” Krueger said. “And so the red light allows people to at least see where they’re going safely, but it doesn’t impact their night vision as much as having a white light or a cell phone light.”

Other than that, it’s best to bring warm clothes and an open mind.

“Once the sun goes down, it does get pretty cold,” Krueger said. “So make sure you wear cold weather attire because you want to be comfortable because you’ll be outside this whole time. And then just come with your curiosity and be ready to just enjoy seeing more stars than (you) normally would see.”

More night viewing

Capulin Volcano National Monument will host its annual Dark Sky Festival on Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7.

Those who attend will be able to view the night sky through a variety of different telescopes made available by the park. Capulin Volcano National Monument, which is located in northeastern New Mexico, has been recognized as an International Dark Sky site.

“You can expect to see the Milky Way with your naked eye. And, we’ll be looking at different night sky features,” said park ranger Rick Hiestand. “We’ll be looking at star nurseries. We’ll be looking at dead stars. We’ll be looking at galaxies. And probably some double stars and stuff like that.

“And with any luck, we’re actually waiting for a nova to occur. It’s supposed to happen by Sept. 1, but if it hasn’t happened yet, maybe we’ll get lucky and see it.”

No registration is required, and there is no limit on the amount of people who can attend. According to Hiestand, up to 100 people could take part in the festival over the course of two days.

For those who want to arrive early, rangers will be setting up solar telescopes at approximately 10 a.m. to view solar flares during the day. And while park employees will wrap up the evening portion of the festival after about three-and-half hours, the amateur astronomers that attend stay out much later.

“We will actually roll it up at about 10:30 here for (where) the park is concerned, for the employees,” Hiestand said. “And then the people that are coming in, they’ll probably be out all night.”