This trip has been canceled due to the closure of Lincoln Forest. We will try to reschedule in the fall.
Beat the desert heat and drive to cool Cloudcroft, NM. Join a walking tour of the Sunspot Solar Observatory. Because of the dry air of the southwest, isolation from major air pollution and plenty of sunshine, Sunspot is an excellent location for observations of our sun. At an elevation of 9,186 feet, you will have an excellent view of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands. The small museum is a must do. There is a gift shop.
The tour begins at 10 AM so we will carpool there beginning at 7:30 AM sharp. Please meet near the Taco Bell in the Lowe’s parking lot on Transmountain and US-54 – the southwest corner of the lot. (MAP) There is a $5 per car fee to enter the solar observatory campus. So, plan to carpool. Bring plenty of water.
Currently the observatory continues to be under strict COVID restrictions, which limits the number of people inside the telescope to 10 individuals at one time. We may need to break up into groups. You will need to fill out a COVID questionnaire which can be done on site when you arrive. Also, face coverings are mandatory regardless of age or health conditions. If anyone is unable to wear a face mask for medical reasons, we ask that they visit later, when masks are not required. COM will keep you updated as we get closer to the event.
COM highly recommends Mad Jack’s Mountaintop BBQ. (MAP) There may be a line but it moves fast and the waiting is well worth it.
For more information, contact Jim Tolbert, diegotolbert@gmail.com, 915-525-7364.
For more information about Sunspot: