Friday, October 28, 2011

Desert stargazing

Last week I wrote this blog entry on my iPad and didn't get around to posting it. Here it is now:

Monument commemorating Geronimo's surrender
to the US Army in nearby Skeleton Canyon in 1886
This evening we are sitting outside our RV and waiting for the stars to show themselves. The sky is still pink over one of the several mountain ranges, I think the Chiricahuas. A partial cloud cover is blowing to the east, promising a starry night. Behind us about thirty yards, a gaggle of geese cluck quietly by a small pond that seems to be made for them. We are at Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo, New Mexico for our second of three nights--maybe four if we decide we can't bear to leave. The owner of the park says her place is starting to attract astronomers because of the complete lack of light pollution. Last night we saw the Milky Way directly above us, and we cranes our necks in awe. Tonight we are out again with our lawn chairs. It is 7:21 p.m. At the extreme western edge of the Mountain Time Zone, and the sky still shows the faintest tinge of pink over the mountains. A few stars are beginning to emerge, although I can't identify them. Picking out Mercury and Mars are usually the best I can do.  Last night the moon didn't appear--while we watched, anyway--and tonight looks like it will be the same, a good night for stargazing.

7 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I miss New Mexico...

Sometimes we can see the stars well here, but it is just too crowded on the East Coast to find an area with no people and intrusive ground lights.

Anonymous said...

I've only been through New Mexico once. Wish I could go back and spend some time at the Balloon Festival and do some stargazing. One of these day we will!

Bob Sanchez said...

In the city, the night lights spoil serious stargazing. But you don't have to go far around here to get a perfect view of the sky.

Stephen, if you plan to come through this area, let me know and maybe we could meet up.

Shea Joy said...

I'm visiting my mother in Florida, Bob, and I showed her some of your beautiful photos. We enjoyed them!

Shea Joy

Bob Sanchez said...

Thank you, Shea.

Patricia Stoltey said...

This sounds lovely...especially since I'm still surrounded by snow.

Rosy Prose said...

There is nothing more magnificent than the sky in New Mexico. I miss it. Need to get out there again.