Explore a Lunar Terrain on Terrestrial Grounds

On the horizon of September 20th, a celestial event is set to unfold in the small town of Animas, New Mexico. The unveiling of Lunar Base Alpha, a simulated lunar landscape, will mark the start of a two-day extraterrestrial experience that promises to captivate stargazers and space enthusiasts alike.

This free event, running from Noon on the 20th to 9 a.m. on the 21st (Central Time), invites the first 50 RSVPs to immerse themselves in the lunar landscape at 10 Washburn Drive, Animas. Camping spaces, meals, and even the opportunity to stay in a cabin (if available) can be secured through the RSVP process, starting September 5th on the "Mars NM - The Off-World Experience" Facebook page.

Lunar Base Alpha will be home to two telescopes from the estate of Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto. These original 16-inch and 18-inch Newtonian telescopes will offer the public a unique opportunity to view celestial objects, including the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Ring Nebula, and a rare sighting of Saturn during its ring-plane crossing. This cosmic spectacle won't be seen again for another 15 years.

The event's special guests include David Eicher, Editor Emeritus of Astronomy magazine, David Levy, co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy, and the New Mexico State University Astrophysics Department. Visitors can look forward to tours of the various sites, Tombaugh's telescopes, daytime solar observing, and nighttime observing through the 16- and 18-inch telescopes.

Lunar Base Alpha, spanning four acres, features habitats, rovers, and educational opportunities. Terra Mars Productions, led by Pam Price of F5 Theming and Design, is crafting the first prototype habitats for Lunar Base Alpha using 3D printing technology. Price, known for creating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, promises an immersive and awe-inspiring experience.

In the future, plans are in place to create a similar martian landscape once Lunar Base Alpha is up and running, called Mars, New Mexico, which will cover eight acres. This project aims to continue fostering a passion for space exploration and education among visitors.

So, mark your calendars for September 20th, and prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at Lunar Base Alpha. RSVP today on the "Mars NM - The Off-World Experience" Facebook page to secure your spot and embark on this cosmic journey.