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Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE Image Captured by DSNM Astronomer

Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE Image Captured by DSNM Astronomer

Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, shown in this image captured by Dark Sky New Mexico Astronomer David Seung, was discovered earlier this year by NASA's NEOWISE space telescope.  The comet will be visible just below the Big Dipper right after sunset during late July. It may be...

The 44 Closest Stars

The 44 Closest Stars

by Michael Barrick and Alan Bernau Jr. Admiring the stars above is a universally cherished pastime of humanity, especially on brisk summer nights around a campfire. They may appear close enough to touch, but the closest star, called Proxima Centauri, is a...

Bees at Dark Sky New Mexico

Bees at Dark Sky New Mexico

Each year, honey bees visit Dark Sky New Mexico looking for a new home.  They are essentially harmless but are quite valuable as pollinators for local farmers and gardeners. Kyle Josephy, a local apiarist, works with DSNM to gather and relocate these bees to his...

Celebrating Birthdays at DSNM during Pandemic

Celebrating Birthdays at DSNM during Pandemic

DSNM is closed to visitors but birthdays happen even during these turbulent times!  Al Acker (seated), DSNM Electronics and Computer Wizard, celebrated his 73rd birthday this past Friday with a small (Count: 5) group.  Diana Casas Hensley made apple pie while Vince...

The Fainting of Betelgeuse – Update

The Fainting of Betelgeuse – Update

Betelgeuse photographed by Brian Ottum of Animas, New Mexico, almost 4 years apart using the same telescope and observing methods. Written by Dr. Tony Phillips Jan. 10, 2020: One day, perhaps in our lifetimes, perhaps a million years from now, the red giant Betelgeuse...