Speaker: Dr. Alice Monet.

The Chaco Culture National Historic Park, located in the high desert of northwestern New Mexico, is a renowned dark-sky site. In this remote and arid canyon, the nighttime glow of distant cities barely impinges on the startling darkness after twilight. Stars, planets, the Milky Way, and even nearby galaxies dominate the dome overhead and command the attention of anyone lucky enough to be there at night.

Dr. Alice Monet recently spent nearly a week in Chaco Canyon and was astonished by the brilliance of the stars and other objects as they wheeled across the sky. During the days, she explored some of the ancient ruins of the Chacoan culture and listened to local experts discuss the archeology, cultural heritage, and scientific accomplishments of the people who built and lived in Chaco 1,000 years ago. In this talk she will share some of what she observed and learned during her visit to the canyon.