STARS COME ALIVE AT PUEBLO SITE
Free event includes talks, viewing
Learn how the ancients saw dark skies at ‘Star Party.’
An Oct. 13 “Star Party” scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. at the Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs will feature a talk on the ancient beliefs related to the constellations.
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society, or TASS, is hosting and an instructional coordinator from Jemez Pueblo will share stories of ancient beliefs about astronomical objects and the Pueblo’s connection to the land, organizers said in a news release.
The talk will be given at 7:30 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. during the event, which is on a Saturday.
“This is Jemez Springs’ second Star Party and the first for the Jemez Historic Site, so we are excited to be working together to not only share the natural beauty of our dark night sky but hear the oral history of the constellations as passed on by Pueblo members,” Jemez Springs Mayor Roger Sweet said.
Several volunteer members of TAAS will bring their telescopes to view the night sky at the site.
There is no charge for the workshop or star viewing.
The Star Party takes place during a waxing moon — the transition between a new and first quarter moon, which indicates a darker night sky.
The event is weather dependent.
Visitors are asked to visit Facebook.com/JemezSprings for updates.
Complimentary hot cocoa will be provided. Temperatures in Jemez Springs can dip as low as the upper 30s in October, so participants are asked to dress appropriately.
Organizers also are asking visitors to avoid bringing flashlights; they can bring red lights to preserve night vision.
The Jemez Historic Site is located at 18160 N.M. 4 in Jemez Springs, just north of the village plaza. It is about 60 miles from Albuquerque.