Have you ever seen the Milky Way? You can, just 45 minutes from TorC, under the dark sky of Kingston, as astronomy professor John T. Stocke explores the excitement of “naked eye astronomy”. Since prehistory, the motions of the stars, planets, sun and moon have inspired the imaginations of human cultures. On Saturday, May 20 you can join professor Stocke as he shares his passion for the countless stars in the night sky, and how they have shaped the world-view of ancient cultures, and our own.
During this dark-sky program, Constellations of Ancient Cultures, you will learn the basics of how the sky looks and moves, the positions and appearances of the most conspicuous constellations, and explore the myths and legends that diverse cultures have told about the sky. Topics will include ethnic constellations and star lore, the zodiac, celestial navigation and other uses of the sky by ancient and indigenous cultures.
The Star Party will begin at 7:00pm with a potluck supper and music from local musicians, in the cool evening breezes of Kingston. The night-sky program will start indoors at 8pm, with a powerpoint presentation, Native American Star Knowledge. At full dark, we’ll move outdoors where Dr. Stocke will explore the heavens with his high-powered laser pointer. There is an admission fee of $10 general admission, $5 seniors & children. Bring a warm jacket and a flashlight.
The Black Range Lodge is located at 50 Kingston Main Street, Kingston, NM. For more information: 575-895-5652 www.blackrangelodge.com
Content for this story provided by Black Range Lodge