subject: Spectacular Views of the Evening Sky [print this page] Spectacular Views of the Evening Sky Spectacular Views of the Evening Sky
There is something special about the night sky during the summer months of the year. If you are lucky enough to be in the Carlsbad Caverns area any time between March and October, then you should check the events calendar to see if there is a Celebrate the Night Sky and Star Party event. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the perfect place for star parties, because it is located well away from the lights and sounds of local communities.
The tours start at 8:30 in the evening every time, but as the days get longer, so do the tours. The programs are all guided by the Rangers, who will present topics such as astronomy, local and cultural folklore, and the nocturnal creatures of the park. The grounds can be pretty treacherous after the sun goes down, so it is important to remain with the group.
If the weather is good, then there will be telescopes available for stargazing. When the air is clear and there are no clouds in the sky, it is amazing just how much you can see with the naked eye. There are no fees or advance reservations required. All the park asks is that you arrive early so that your headlights do not impair the views of the sky.
The calendar is subject to change, according to weather and other events that may be happening at the park, but the Celebrate the Night Sky and Star Part events generally take place on the second Saturday of every month. In October, it also takes place on the first Saturday, because the park is winding down the star party events until the next summer. When you plan to attend a Celebrate the Night Sky and Star Party, you should remember a few things.
First of all, it will be dark in the park, so you will want to have a flashlight ready. You should also dress for the occasion, which means loose, casual clothing. The night air can be chilly at times, so it may be necessary to bring a sweater along. Tennis shoes and sneakers or hiking boots are an excellent choice for footwear, because navigating the trails in the dark can be dangerous on unprotected feet. Children are invited, but it is impractical to bring along strollers. There is not a great deal of walking, but you may want to bring along some water, just in case.
