Apache Point Observatory (APO), which is normally closed to the public, will be hosting an Open House on March 7th, 2020. It will be a FREE event, open to everyone, and will include daytime tours of APO, science activities and demonstrations:
Activities: Grounds will be open from 2pm – 5pm. We will have guided tours of our telescopes as well as hands on activities on the grounds, including solar telescopes to view the Sun! Light refreshments will be provided. At 5:00 pm the site will close down to the public so as to begin nightly science operations.
Parking: There is a main parking lot as you enter Apache Point Observatory. If the lot is full, please feel free to park on the side of the road.
Bathrooms: Because we are not a public facility, bathrooms are very limited at Apache Point Observatory! If possible, please utilize bathrooms at Sunspot Visitors Center, one mile up the road from Apache Point.
Presentations:
5:15 pm – “Apache Point Observatory”
5:35 pm – “Mysteries of Jupiter Revealed”
6:20 pm – “Sloan Digital Sky Survey”
6:40 pm – Lightning talk “Asteroid, meteors, and meteorites”
7:20 pm – Lightning talk “Black holes”
7:40 pm – Lightning talk “Galaxy Zoo”
8:20 pm – “Apache Point Observatory”
8:40 pm – Lightning talk “Black Holes”
9:20 pm – Apollo video
9:40 pm – Lightning “Exoplanets”
10:20 pm – SDSS video
10:40 pm – Lightning “Telescopes”
If you have a reservation for an eyepiece tour, please arrive at Sunspot (not Apache Point Observatory!) 30 minutes before your assigned hour in order to sign in. Currently, we are fully booked for all tours. Tour groups will be loaded up and bussed from Sunspot to Apache Point 10 minutes before the hour. Eyepiece tours will last one hour. PLEASE DRESS WARMLY!!! Temperatures are expected to be near freezing and you will be in an open building.
If you have any questions about this event or need to cancel your tour, please contact APO at 575-437-6822. The observatory is located at 2001 Apache Point Road, Sunspot, NM 88349-0059.