"Ancient Skies, Modern Eyes" is set to offer a unique exploration of humanity's relationship with the stars. The event, co-hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Space History and the Jornada Research Institute, will take place on July 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the New Horizons Dome Theater in Alamogordo, NM.
The public event promises a full day of activities without charge. It will feature presentations by researchers and interactive exhibits that delve into how ancient cultures engaged with celestial bodies through structures, observatories, ceremonies, and agricultural practices.
Visitors can expect to see Richard Friedman’s model of the Sun Dagger from Chaco Canyon and Daniel Brown’s "Writing Skyscapes," which combines poetry and visuals to encourage reflection on the sky.
The lineup of speakers includes Joan Price from Jornada Research discussing the "Great Jaguar" Stone at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. Anna Sofaer will present her film "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon: Unveiling The Ancient Astronomy." Dr. Cherilynn Morrow from NASA will talk about the Rock of the Sun related to a historical eclipse. David Greenwald will explain how an astronomical observatory was used at Creekside Village in Tularosa Canyon.
Olga Valanos, Public Relations Director for the museum, said: "This event is more than a celebration of astronomy. It’s a journey through time that shows how deeply interconnected science, history, and Indigenous perspectives truly are."
Regularly scheduled Giant Screen Films or live star shows will not be available during this event. The New Mexico Museum of Space History is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
Information from this article can be found here.
