blog
News & Updates
Lake Diana is Open!
Lake Diana, an intermittent facility located on DSNM property, is now open for boating and jet-skis. Recent rain fall has dramatically raised water levels and recreational opportunities are available until the cows drink this pond dry!
DSNM Implements Recycling Program
Thrift and tidiness and environmental stewardship. a recycling program that leads businesses both in the region and in the industry. A recycling station has been established near the maintenance shop and accepts glass, plastics, and paper.
New Astronomer at Dark Sky New Mexico
Dean Glace, an astronomer from Summerville South Carolina, became Dark Sky New Mexico’s newest community member this past week. Mr. Glace, assisted by DSNM’s Vincent Laupola and Al Acker, installed his Astro Tech AT 14 RC scope on his new Plane Wave L350 Mount and...
DSNM Announces its 2019 Star Party
Dark Sky New Mexico - Washburn Road, Animas NM - Click for map coordinatesDark Sky New Mexico (DSNM) announced today that it’s annual Star Party and Business Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019. The fee for this event is...
Visiting Astronomer/Photographer/Artist
88 Constellations and their Brightest Stars
Our team has been working on a project called "The 88 Constellations and Their Brightest Stars" which includes the 88 IAU recognized constellations, what they represent, where and when you can see them and we've even visually identified their brightest stars. It was...
DSNM Implements Intentional Living Approach
DSNM is known for its thrifty, tidy, mindful living approach. We repair things that break rather than buying new; we adaptively reuse materials; we buy every nut and bolt we see at yard sales... you know, we are the kind of people that always seem to have the...
Construction Progress Report: Nine Pier Shared Observatory
Great progress has been made on repurposing the largest building at Dark Sky New Mexico (DSNM). This 1000 square foot observatory had originally been constructed by an earlier owner for a one meter scope being fabricated for a Federal government agency. Federal...
Dr. Brian Ottum Installs New Mount
Dr. Brian Ottum, a well-known astrophotographer and astronomy educator, recently installed a new Plane Wave L-350 Mount in his observatory at Dark Sky New Mexico (Animas NM). Dr. Ottum commented, “This Mount combines the technology of Plane Wave’s Observatory class...
Robotic Mount
Check out this photo taken from Brian Ottum’s new robotic telecope mount. “This is the "first light" shot using my new robotic telescope mount. The Great Hercules Cluster, M13, is a ball of 400,000 stars packed together. You can see the "blue straggler" stars...
Recognition in Astrophotograpjy
A huge congratulations to Mark Hanson!Mark has been selected by Juan Carlos at Magic Universe at this month’s astrophotographer.
New Pier
DSNM Technicians Jess Brown and Vince Laupola used a portable hoist to install a new pier for Dr. Brian Ottum. This pier weighs 340 pounds and is 36” tall. It was custom fabricated for by DSNM’s strategic partner, Mesilla Industrial Machining.
Rockin’ Visitors
Beerwolf, a Tampa Florida based rock band, took a night off from their ten state tour to experience the night sky and quiet serenity found at Dark Sky New Mexico. Ashwin Prasad, the band’s drummer, said: “We were inspired by the dark skies and peaceful serenity...
Spring 2018 Star Party talks annouced
Mike D. Reynolds, Ph.D.Professor of AstronomyFlorida State College at JacksonvilleImaging, from Beginners to Advanced - Dr. Mike Reynolds will look at getting into the fascinating arena of astronomical imaging. Starting with simple star trails and the...
Register for Dark Sky New Mexico’s Spring 2018 Star Party
Click here to buy ticketsSell tickets online with Ticket Tailor
David Eicher, Editor-in-Chief of Astronomy Magazine, America’s Darkest Sky Star Party a Smashing Success
As I’ve said repeatedly, one of the gravest dangers a love of the universe poses is the lack of a dark sky. Light pollution maps show almost everything east of the Mississippi River, in the United States, as badly light polluted. Some 80 percent of Americans now...