The Enchanted Skies Star Party
October 2-5, 2013 | Socorro, New Mexico, USA
The Enchanted Skies Star Party is somewhat unique in that events take place at several different locations. The Etscorn Campus Observatory is the main location for lectures, registration, and observing. We also have our dark sky site, the Fort Craig National Historic Site, 30 miles south of Socorro. In addition, we observe at 10,600ft on South Baldy and take tours of the VLA, GEODSS and MRO observatories. You are also welcome to explore the area on your own. Click on any images below for a closer look and more information.
Hotels
There are several choices for hotels and bed and breakfasts in the Socorro area. Check the Socorro County chamber of commerce website. Anything listed with a Socorro address is less than a five minute drive from most events.
Where am I allowed to camp?
ESSP registered participants may camp in the parking area outside the earth burm at the Etscorn Observatory and or at the Fort Craig National Historic Site for the duration of the star party event. Dry Camping only is provided. *Note: RV and tent camping is not allowed at the Magdalene Ridge Observatory. Warm up, kitchen, and restroom facilities are available.
There are limited power outlets at Etscorn Campus Observator, The Ft. Craig dark sky site, and Magdalena Ridge Observatory. If you want to connect your equipment to these power sources you must provide your own extension cord. You may need to share, so a power strip is also a good idea.
NO. ESSP events take place in and around Socorro County from 10,000ft on top of Mt. Baldy, to the Stallion Gate at White Sands Missile Range, to the VLA on the Plains of San Augustine. All ESSP participants must be prepared to drive their own vehicle. (Car pooling to the various events is sometimes informally organized at the request of participants.)
Bring a variety of layers. Temperatures can vary quite a bit from day to night. If you plan to observe on the ridge on Wednesday night, bring warm clothes, gloves and a hat. It can be quite cold on the ridge and it is always windy. You can check current conditions on the ridge while you are packing to help you determine what you need to bring, Current MRO Weather
No. Although the last bit of road to the Etscorn campus observatory and the road from Water Canyon up to the ridge of South Baldy are both unpaved, they are well maintained and standard passenger cars have made the trip without problems in the past. The road up to South Baldy is steep and winding. Please remember mountain driving etiquette. Click for mountain driving tips.
ESSP volunteers are on duty to watch over the campsites at both Etscorn Observatory and Fort Craig, however it is your responsibility to secure your equipment to protect against the unpredictable New Mexico weather.
There is a restroom at the Etscorn Campus Observatory (no shower) and at the Fort Craig dark sky site (no shower). Restrooms are available at all the other facilities visited by star party attendees. If you are camping and want a shower, you can show your star party badge at the New Mexico Tech gym and gain access to showers.
4 miles from Fort Craig is the Santa Fe Diner and Truck Stop with an RV park, 24 hour diner, gas, lodging, and showers.
Cameras are allowed and encouraged at all star party events except White Sands Missile Range.
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