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The public is once again invited to join us for our annual Equinox sunrise observation. This centuries old tradition will continue on Thursday, September 22nd. If the skies are clear visitors will see the sun gently rise above the horizon to shine directly through two perfectly aligned windows that flank the entrance to the Great Kiva Casa Rinconada. This alignment is another wonderful example of the Ancestral Pueblo practice of using architectural features to track what was happening in the sky above. Visitors will be able to make their way to Casa Rinconada when the gates open at 6:00am. This program is limited to 100 people.
The following two days will see the return of Chaco’s Astronomy Festival. The 5th annual event will feature indoor planetarium shows and special tours throughout the day. We’ll be joined by Jon Ghahate from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Jon will be discussing indigenous views on astronomy at 8:00pm on September 23rd-24th. This will be followed by telescope viewing with volunteers from the Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Jon will also be leading bike tours to the Wijiji Great House at 1:00pm on September 23rd and a bike tour to the Casa Chaquita Great House at 1:00pm on September 24th.
For more information on these events, please visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm.
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