WHAT: Apache Point Observatory (APO), in partnership with New Mexico State University’s Department of Astronomy, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 11. This event is free and open to the public. It will include tours of APO’s site and telescopes, talks from professional astronomers and interactive demonstrations. An “Ask a Scientist” booth will give participants the opportunity to ask their questions to subject matter experts.
APO is operated by NMSU for the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC), which owns the facility. NMSU's Department of Astronomy manages observatory staff and infrastructure for ARC's telescopes, including its own 1-meter telescope.
Important Notice: Participants must be over 10 years old and able to walk up three flights of stairs at 9,500 feet elevation. Registration is required for telescope tours; groups are limited to 20 people. Call 575-437-6822 or email office_admin@apo.nmsu.edu for reservations.
WHO: The community is invited to participate in the Apache Point Observatory open house. Families are welcome to engage with faculty, staff and graduate students who will guide tours, lead demonstrations and give short talks.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Guided tours will begin on the half hour.
WHERE: Apache Point Observatory, 2001 Apache Point Road and Sunspot Visitor’s Center, 3001 Visitor’s Center Drive, Sunspot, NM 88349.
VISUALS: Apache Point Observatory’s open house will give participants a behind-the-scenes look at both the 2.5-meter Sloan Foundation telescope and the ARC 3.5-meter telescopes. Other activities include an “Ask a Scientist” booth, hands-on demonstrations, space-themed arts and crafts, solar telescopes, giveaways and more. APO staff and ARC astronomers will also give talks at the nearby Sunspot Visitor Center about ongoing NMSU research.
For more information, contact Nancy Chanover at nchanove@nmsu.edu or APO at office_admin@apo.nmsu.edu
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CUTLINE: The Apache Point Observatory site as seen from the 3.5-meter telescope building. (NMSU photo by Sarah Kimmerly)
CUTLINE: Apache Point Observatory will host an open house on October 11, featuring telescope tours, talks from experts and interactive demonstrations and exhibits. (Courtesy photo)