This event, which the museum was co-hosting with Valle de Oro NWR and the Albuquerque Astronomical Society, is canceled due to weather. Even if the sky is not entirely cloudy, there is a risk of flying debris from nearby trees during possible wind gusts of 70+ mph.
The area's astronomical societies are planning several upcoming events, so check their websites for other observing opportunities:
http://taas.org
https://www.rrastro.org
Escape the glare of nearby lights and get a better view of the night sky at a site not very far from Albuquerque. The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge’s outdoor classroom will be the location for a Bosque Stargazing event on April 10. Astronomy enthusiasts from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will help you look through several telescopes and point out wonders in the skies above.
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is located at 7851 2nd St. SW. Enter the refuge through the property’s east gate. Keep your eyes peeled for a brown welcome sign before you turn into the refuge property. Follow signs to outdoor classroom after 6 p.m. on April 10. At 6:30, a driving tour of the Refuge will depart from the outdoor classroom to point out natural features and describe the history of the area. The tour will end with a short guided hike to the river. Until 8 p.m., specially filtered solar telescopes will offer safe views of the Sun until it descends behind the Cottonwoods by the river.
The stargazing part of the event begins when the sky becomes dark enough around 8 p.m. At that time, welcoming remarks will be announced and a brief sky tour will orient visitors to the visible constellations. The planet Mars, nebulae, star clusters, and the crescent moon are some of the celestial objects which may be studied through a variety of telescopes and binoculars. Observing ends at 10 p.m.
This free event is completely outdoors in an undeveloped area, so wear appropriate shoes for hiking and bring layers of clothing in case the night becomes chilly. Flashlights are discouraged unless they are covered with at least two layers of red cellophane or a red balloon.
If the sky is cloudy, the observing will be canceled and the event will end at 8 p.m. If the weather is questionable on April 10, check the Facebook page of the Museum of Natural History for cancelation announcements: https://www.facebook.com/NMMNHS
You may also call (505) 248-6667. Notice that this event is not at the museum.