Rio Rancho
Astronomical Society

 A Member Club of the Astronomical League
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December 2024

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Dark Site at White Ridge Bike Trails  

The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society has obtained permission from the BLM to use the parking lot of the White Ridge Bike Trails for our local dark site.  The parking lot is located just southwest of San Ysidro, NM at 4493 Cabezon Rd.  The RRAS will be observing at the site on the Saturday closest to New Moon.  Club members usually arrive about a half-hour before sunset, and observing sessions can run the entire night.

Dark Site Coordinator:  Darin Templet

Map to White Ridge Bike Trails

Clear Sky Clock for White Ridge Bike Trails

Past RRAS President Jon Schuchardt (at right) and other RRAS members at White Ridge

 

Sunset at White Ridge Dark Site
2024 White Ridge Dates 
6-Jan-24
10-Feb-24
9-Mar-24
6-April-24
11-May-24
8-June-24
6-Jul-24
3-Aug-24
7-Sept-24
5-Oct-24
2-Nov-24


Moon and Venus from White Ridge Dark Site, October 5, 2024

RRAS President Laurie Wells setting up for a night of astrophotography

M-1, the Crab Nebula taken by Past RRAS President Laurie Wells at the White Ridge Dark Site