Posted in New Mexico Events March 22, 2023 by

Five Different Planets Will Align In The New Mexico Night Sky During An Incredibly Rare Display

Everyone loves a good parade, and you won’t have to wait for independence day this year to enjoy one. An extraordinary space parade is marching our way and will be visible in late March, with the best viewing between the 25th and 30th. But, of course, this parade of planets doesn’t come with a marching band, so feel free to add your own space-inspired soundtrack. Here’s everything you need to know about the 5 planets visible in New Mexico in March. You won’t want to miss this breathtaking celestial event!

Star gazing is spectacular here in New Mexico.
Teresa Kopec/Moment/GettyImages
We have some incredibly dark skies created by high elevations, low light pollution, and clear skies. New Mexico is home to six designated International Dark Sky Parks spread all over the state.
During the timeframe of March 25th - 30th, Mars, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury will appear to line up and march above the eastern horizon.
Andrezej Wojcicki/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
The parade is an optical illusion that hasn't been seen since 2004. The planets will appear much closer to each other than they really are because they all travel within the same plane.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary is an excellent spot to see the planetary procession.
John Rummel/Google
Located in the Gila National Forest, Cosmic Campground is 60 miles from Silver City, New Mexico. Here you'll meet up with other serious stargazers. Campground rules are taken seriously and help create a perfect sky viewing experience. Make sure you arrive early enough to set up camp before dark and use a red filter on your flashlight. Can't make it to a dark sky park? No problem, you should be able to see this space spectacle from any dark location.
You won't need a giant telescope to view the five planets in the parade. They will all be visible to the naked eye, with the exception of Uranus.
Jeff Hellerman/Google
If you have access to a good pair of binoculars or an amateur telescope, you should also be able to spot Uranus fairly easily.
The early bird catches the worm or, in this case, the parade.
Cathy McCray/Flickr
The show starts about an hour before sunrise, so set your alarm. You'll have 60 minutes to view the planets before the rising sun ends the planet's presentation. It'll be worth a few hours of lost sleep!

 

For more information about the planets visible in New Mexico this month, be sure to check out this short video:

If all this astronomy talk has you excited to start a new hobby, we’ve got some good news for you — we live in one of the best places on earth to watch the night sky! Do you enjoy stargazing in New Mexico? If so, tell us all about it!

For even more magical places to explore in the Land of Enchantment, check out our list of the most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Cosmic Campground, 33.4792463100206, -108.92268895185092, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

planets visible in New Mexico

March 27, 2023
Beth C.

What are the best locations for stargazing in New Mexico?

New Mexico is renowned for its low levels of light pollution, especially far away from the major cities. If you're hoping to go stargazing in New Mexico, you'll be pleased to hear that there are lots of options. Some of the darkest skies in New Mexico can be found when you visit the following locations:

  • Capulin Volcano National Monument
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  • Clayton Lake State Park
  • Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
  • Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

 

Learn more about these incredible places to watch the night sky in New Mexico.

Does New Mexico have any natural wonders?

You bet! The landscape of New Mexico is vast and diverse, offering an impressive array of natural wonders at every turn. Check out any of the following natural wonders in New Mexico -- and don't forget your camera!

  • Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
  • Capulin Volcano
  • Tent Rocks
  • Shiprock
  • Valles Caldera
  • White Mountain Wilderness
  • Rio Grande Gorge
  • Blue Hole
  • Organ Mountains
  • Carlsbad Caverns
  • Bosque del Apache
  • White Sands

 

How many of these stunning natural wonders in New Mexico have you experienced?