Solar Eclipse Viewing At Capulin Volcano

Out-of-this-World Events to be Hosted at Capulin Volcano.

Solar eclipse viewing to be best in New Mexico

Raton, New Mexico – Capulin Volcano National Monument will be hosting two out-of-this-world interstellar events in the month of August. Join us Monday, August 21, 2017, for a rare view – a solar eclipse. Though New Mexico is out of the path of totality, Capulin should see nearly 80 percent of the sun’s coverage. Because of this spectacular sight, the monument will be holding a viewing event on top of the volcano for all to see.

The eclipse is estimated to go over the volcano at 11:45 am (MST) and only last 2-3 minutes. A shuttle will be transporting visitors up and down the Volcano Road from 8:30 am (MST) until 1:00 pm (MST). There will be a telescope with a solar lens to view the eclipse, as well as eclipse viewing glasses for sale in the park store so that all guests will have the opportunity to view the eclipse safely. In honor of this rare occurrence, Capulin Volcano will be fee free all day Monday, August 21, 2017! We encourage everyone to come and experience one of the greatest cosmic events of our lifetime!

The park will also be hosting a Night Sky program on Friday, August 25th. Come watch the constellations and planets move across the sky and look at the galaxy through a telescope positioned at the base of the volcano. 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 8:00 p.m. (MST) at the park, with the program beginning at 9 p.m. (MDT). Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, warm clothes, and folding chairs. The park bookstore will be open from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. that evening.

There is no cost for either 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.

A pdf of this news release is attached.

Lynn Cartmell

Chief of Interpretation and Education

Capulin Volcano National Monument

P.O. Box 40

Des Moines, NM  88418

w 575-278-2201