FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2018
Contact: Diana Hicks, diana_hicks@nps.gov, 575-278-2201 x 232 and Cassy Hill, cassy_hill@nps.gov, 575-278-2201 x 246
Out-of-this-World Event to be hosted at Capulin Volcano.
Lyrid’s Meteor Shower
Raton, New Mexico – Capulin Volcano National Monument will be hosting an out-of-this-world interstellar event this month. Join us on the night of April 22, 2018, for the Lyrid’s Meteor Shower! To enjoy this spectacular sight, the Capulin staff will be holding a viewing event at the Capulin Volcano night sky viewing area next to the monument’s entrance gate.
The Lyrid’s meteors are debris fallen from the Comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun once every 415 years. Capulin rangers will set up night sky viewing binoculars for visitors to enjoy, along with a brief ranger program about the meteor shower and the New Mexico dark sky. The event will be held at the monument’s night sky viewing area, located just before the monument entrance gate off Hwy 325. We encourage everyone to come and experience this great cosmic event!
New Mexico’s night sky is a cultural treasure that many have viewed in awe and appreciation. Due to minimal light pollution, Capulin Volcano has one of the best, and well preserved night skies in the nation. Come and explore the “park after dark” at Capulin Volcano National Monument as we discuss some of the many mysteries the dark sky holds. We encourage visitors to begin gathering at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) at the park’s night sky viewing area. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, warm clothes, and folding chairs.
There is no cost for this event, though we do ask for guests to RSVP so Capulin can better prepare for your visit. To RSVP, please call the park at (575) 278-2201.
Capulin Volcano National Monument, a unit of the National Park System, preserves “…a striking example of a recent extinct volcano.” The park is located on Highway 325, 3 miles north of the town of Capulin, NM, 30 miles east of Raton, NM, and 56 miles west of Clayton, NM. For more about Capulin Volcano and the National Park Service, check out our website www.nps.gov/cavo or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @CapulinVolcanoNPS.
