Come celebrate dark night skies during April Astronomy Month at El Malpais National Monument! Astronomy programs are every Friday evening of the month and will be presented at various locations throughout the monument as well as one program at our sister park, El Morro National Monument. All programs are free and do not require reservations. Please dress in warm layers and closetoed shoes. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, preferably one with a red light setting, and water. For stationary programs, you are welcome to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Outdoor programs are weather dependent.
April 11 - Full Moon Hike at El Calderon
8:15 - 9:45 pm Experience hiking in the moonlight on a 1.5mile walk on the El Calderon Trail. The El Calderon Trailhead is located off of Highway 53, about 22 miles south of Grants.
April 18 - Under the Stars at Sandstone Bluffs
8:30 - 10:00 pm Stargaze with rangers, look through a telescope, and watch for meteors from the Lyrid meteor shower. Sandstone Bluffs Overlook is located 19 miles south of Grants on Highway 117. Once at the parking area, look for the red lights.
April 25 - Experience the Night Sky at El Morro National Monument
8:30 - 9:30 pm Stargaze with rangers at the El Morro Visitor Center. El Morro National Monument is a certified International Dark Sky Park that is located on Highway 53 near Ramah, NM, around 44 miles southwest of Grants.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/elma.