By Ana Murray
Chimney Rock National Monument will take center stage this September as the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) hosts two unforgettable evenings celebrating a celestial event rarely seen in a lifetime: the major lunar standstill.
Taking place on the nights of Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, these late-night events will offer visitors a rare chance to witness one of the most visually striking astronomical alignments on earth — the moon rising dramatically between Chimney Rock’s impressive rock pinnacles.
While most people are familiar with the moon’s cycle and how its shape changes from crescent to full, and its rising position fluctuates along the horizon, far fewer know about the longer, 18.6-year lunar cycle known as the major lunar standstill.
During this time, the moon’s orbit tilts to its extreme, causing it to rise and set at its most northerly and southerly points. At Chimney Rock, this rare alignment causes the moon to rise between the prominent formations of Chimney Rock and Companion Rock — a phenomenon believed to have been observed and honored by the Ancient Puebloan people more than a thousand years ago.
To mark the final months of this rare alignment’s visibility, CRIA will host two consecutive night programs in the monument’s outdoor amphitheater, located near the Visitor Center.
These events will feature cultural and astronomical presentations by leading experts, Native American music, telescope viewing and a live-streamed broadcast of the moonrise from a restricted vantage point on the high mesa. Though visitors won’t be allowed on the upper site due to safety concerns, they will experience the moment in real-time, surrounded by the natural beauty and stillness of the ancient site.
On Saturday, September 13, check-in will take place between 9:30 and 10:30pm at the Visitor Center kiosk. The evening’s program will begin at 10:45pm, with the moon expected to rise between the pinnacles at 11:30pm. The event will conclude shortly after the moonrise. Note: This event is sold out.
On Sunday, September 14, check-in will occur from 10:30 to 11:30pm, with the program beginning at 11:45pm, and the moon making its appearance at approximately 12:30am. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 attend for free. Due to limited seating, reservations are strongly recommended and can be made exclusively through Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. A non-refundable $1 reservation fee applies. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the program.
Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space-available basis, but only those with reservations are guaranteed admission. Dogs are not permitted at this event, with the exception of certified service animals.
Guests are encouraged to dress warmly for the cool nighttime temperatures and to bring blankets or cushions for added comfort on the stone seating.
These events may be modified or canceled due to weather or conditions outside of our control. If the event is modified, but not canceled, no refunds will be issued. If the entire event is canceled, refunds can only be issued by contacting Recreation. gov, which issued the reservation. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Ana Murray writes for the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association.