As the only natural indicator in the world for the Major Lunar Standstill (MLS), the twin sandstone spires at Chimney Rock National Monument create a narrow window of sky where the moon can be seen rising between the two pillars from very specific locations atop the ridge every 18.6 years. In preparation for the MLS rise-through-the-spires events and the MLS Special Programs to come in fall 2023, CRIA volunteers have been diligently performing celestial surveys which indicate the observational cycle of the MLS event has begun. The star Elnath heralds the beginning of the three-year cycle and will also rise between the spires as a precursor to these events.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) invites the public to learn about the Major Lunar Standstill (MLS) and the practice of naked eye astronomy at the CRIA Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 19. The lecture will take place at 7:00pm at the Methodist Church, located at 434 Lewis Street in Pagosa Springs. Join us as author and CRIA volunteer Ron Sutcliffe discusses “Lunar Phases through the Pinnacles.” Ron Sutcliffe is the author of Moon Tracks, a guide to understanding the observed patterns of the sun and moon and how those patterns may have been employed by ancient astronomers, especially those of Chimney Rock.
Guests at this Lecture will learn about the MLS astronomical event and what was viewed at Chimney Rock a thousand years ago by ancient Puebloans. The presentation will also offer a show and tell of the photography taken at public programs during the last MLS 3-year season (2004-2007.) If weather permits, guests will have the opportunity to gather outside to view Elnath in the constellation Taurus while participating in a discussion about the indications for the MLS by learning how the stars are surveyed through naked eye astronomy.
Chimney Rock National Monument will open for the 2022 season on Sunday, May 15. CRIA sponsors special events at Chimney Rock including the Night Sky Programs, Full Moon Program, Sunrise Programs, Geology Program, Birding at Chimney Rock, Flora of Chimney Rock Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tours and the always fun and free ‘Life at Chimney Rock Festival’.
CRIA’s free Lecture Series offers several opportunities each year for the public and CRIA volunteers to enjoy a speaker whose topic typically relates to southwest archaeology, archaeoastronomy and/or Chacoan culture.
CRIA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers interpretive programs at Chimney Rock National Monument in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the San Juan National Forest. For more information see the CRIA website at www.chimneyrockco.org or call (970) 731-7133.