Join El Malpais Park Rangers as we celebrate astronomy and dark night skies during Astronomy Month in April. We will host different night sky programs each Friday evening throughout the month. Start times and locations will vary from week to week. Please dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight or headlamp with a red light setting if possible. All events are free and no reservations are required. For any questions, call us at 505-876-2783.
April 5 - Stargazing at Sandstone Bluffs
8:30 - 9:30 pm
Come out to Sandstone Bluffs for a constellation tour, stories, and deep sky viewing through a telescope. Sandstone Bluffs is located off of Highway 117, around 18 miles from Grants.
April 12 - Night Hike at El Calderon
8:00 - 9:30 pm
Experience hiking at night on a 1.5-mile walk on the El Calderon Trail and learn how animals are adapted to nocturnal life. The El Calderon Trailhead is located off of Highway 53, around 22 miles from Grants.
April 19 - All About Astronomy at the El Malpais Visitor Center
6:30 - 7:30 pm - Presentation in visitor center theater
7:30 - 9:00 pm - Telescopes in visitor center parking lot
Guest astronomer Derek Wallentinsen from the Albuquerque Astronomical Society will give a presentation followed by telescope viewing at the El Malpais Visitor Center located at 1900 E. Santa Fe Ave. in Grants.
April 26 - Constellation Tour at El Calderon
8:30 - 9:30 pm
View the park’s dark night skies at El Calderon with a constellation tour as we transition from winter to summer constellations. The El Calderon parking lot is located off of Highway 53, around 22 miles from Grants.
What about the bats?
The Brazilian free-tailed bats have flown south for the winter. Other bat species are busy hibernating. Bat Outflight programs will return in the summer!
