Essential AdviceAlthough the main attraction is stargazing, we found plenty of things to do at Star Hill Inn and New Mexico Skies. Why the Great View?
- Both Star Hill and New Mexico Skies are located at an altitude above 7000 feet, well above most atmospheric pollution or airborne particles.
- New Mexico boasts some of the darkest skies in North America and the toughest light pollution laws in the United States.
- The desert environment of New Mexico gives the state some of the best percentages for number of clear days per year. Any time of year you'll find clear, cloudless skies in New Mexico. Winter stargazing is especially good if you're willing to brave the cold.
But What Do You Do During the Day?
- Star Hill offers a number of daytime activities, including a meditation garden, a walking labyrinth and several hiking trails. Santa Fe is about an hour away, and Las Vegas, N.M., is only twenty minutes away and features several restaurants as well as a Victorian Historic District.
- You can prepare for the evening's stargazing at either retreat's well-stocked library. Both libraries include Internet access.
- New Mexico Skies borders Lincoln National Forest with excellent bird and wildlife viewing and hiking.
- Most stargazing goes late into the night — you may find yourself wanting to sleep!
The Main Event
- New Mexico Skies has six separate permanent observatories and various portable telescopes. Available accessories include CCD cameras and various guiders. Equipment rental is separate from lodging costs, so mix and match whatever equipment you like.
- New Mexico Skies also has a remote imaging lab located in their library, so you can take with you a souvenir of your viewing.
- Use of Star Hill's equipment is included in their lodging rates, but advance equipment reservations are required. They have five permanently installed scopes and several portables. For an additional rental fee of $100 per night, you can rent the 24-inch Richey-Chretien Cassegrain, located in Star Hill's dome.
- Star Hill offers a tour of the night sky, given by owner/astronomer Phil Mahon. It's a great introduction to amateur astronomy.
- The libraries at each retreat offer special goodies during viewing sessions. Star Hill features tasty homemade desserts on the deck, and New Mexico Skies offers nightly cappuccino to keep you warm and awake.
Contact Information:
Phil Mahon and Rae Ann Kumelos-Mahon, Owners
Star Hill Inn, PO Box 707, Sapello, NM 87745
505-425-5605
stay@starhillinn.com
www.starhillinn.com
Mike and Lynn Rice, Owners
New Mexico Skies, PO Box 559, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
505-687-2429
info@nmskies.com
www.nmskies.com | 
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