City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park in conjunction with the Astronomy Friends of The Parks announce the '24 fall/winter and '25 Spring astronomy program schedule.

Weather permitting, about 45 minutes after sunset, a laser guided tour is given on the highlights of that evening sky. Followed by visual observations with telescopes with assistance from members of the park friends, lasting approximately 2 hours. Please try to arrive around sunset to 15 minutes after sunset to become familiar with the program layout. Chairs are limited, so if not an inconvenience, bring your own would-be good advice. When the planets are out, we can view them until it is dark enough to begin the presentation.


City of Rocks programs are given at the Orion group campsite. The Gene & Elizabeth Simon Observatory located at the campsite further compliments the setting.
Rockhound programs are given at the viewing patio, just west of the Visitors' Center.
Both parks have uniqueness and wonder.

These are New Mexico State Park venues (  www.emnrd.nm.gov  ). Please follow and adhere to their rules and regulations. Please check for status/weather and alerts before attending. Pass fees will apply.
City of Rocks State Park (575) 536-2800
Rockhound State Park (575) 546-6182
Astronomy Friends of The Parks assist the parks' staff in presenting these programs.

Please bring your favorite and familiar red colored small light to preserve your night vision as you move around. Don't worry if you don't have one, we have loaners.
2024
October 4, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 6:50 pm
October 5, Saturday @ City of Rocks

November 1, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 6:20 pm
November 2, Saturday @ City of Rocks
*** Daylight Savings ends on November 3rd
November 29, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 5:05 pm
November 30, Saturday @ City of Rocks *** Thanksgiving weekend

December 20, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 5:10 pm
December 21, Saturday @ City of Rocks
2025
January 17, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 5:30 pm
January 18, Saturday @ City of Rocks
February 21, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 6:00 pm
February 22, Saturday @ City of Rocks

*** Daylight Savings starts on March 9th
March 21, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 7:25 pm
March 22, Saturday @ City of Rocks

April 18, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 7:40 pm
April 19, Saturday @ City of Rocks *** Easter weekend

May 16, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 8:00 pm
May 17, Saturday @ City of Rocks

June 20, Friday @ Rockhound Sunsets around 8:20 pm
June 21, Saturday @ City of Rocks

Astronomy Friends of The Parks are local area advanced amateur astronomers that like sharing and observing with new and old friends.
Carrying on a tradition passed on by Sally Allen, John Gilkison and Michael Coulson.
Facebook: Astronomy Friends of The Parks page
Some of us are members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces (aslc-nm.org)