Where in New Mexico is the best place for amateur astronomy to set up a dome observatory? (Deming: home)

[Yeah I've been there]

My goal is to purchase large tract of acreage (possibly 100+ acres).
Let me and my spouse worry about the price

To any one living in the area or familiar with NM, can anyone tell me where is the most ideal place to experience the darkest night skies that are so bright they give you a shadow!

Thanks.

[ABQ2015]

This website may interest you. Several families interested in astronomy who live in close proximity in southern New Mexico and are pooling their resources.


Welcome to The NMAV The New Mexico Astronomy vi llage

[Zoidberg]

The southwestern quarter of the state has more in terms of observatories per square mile than probably anywhere else in the country.

For ideal star viewing, you'd want a place with high altitude, low humidity, low dust, and far away from towns and cities.

Most of the eastern half of the state doesn't fit the bill; it's lower and wetter.

That village may be just what you want, though much higher elevations (>6000') can be had.

[surfer778]

I've been to Deming, NM and Silver City. Those towns are amazing for stargazing. Good Luck on your search!!

[GregW]

Try along Rt 60 West of Socorro. I am uncertain about the light pollution from Magdalena and the VLA. I do not know where you are now but most of rural NM is darker than anywhere else except the deepest parts of Utah and Nevada. Light pollution is taking away the night. I miss it.

[GregW]

Additional suggestion. There is a organization called (IIRC) the "Dark Sky Association" that has maps of the astronomical "seeing" conditions for the country.

The conditions, even in very rural areas, can be degraded by improper (IMHO) yard and barn lighting. Also IMHO lighting the outside of your home only assures that the potential burglars will not trip over something and sue you for their injuries.

[Old Gringo]

There's a "community" of observatories just off Hwy 82 east of Cloudcroft called Star,s End that might interest you.


http://www.aicccd.com/archive/aic200...ng-rcroman.pdf