Night of the Stars - Noche de Estrellas

In honor of 2009 being named the international year of astronomy, a special event will be taking place at several sites throughout Mexico on January 31st. More than twenty archaeological and historical sites will host after-hours gatherings to watch the stars. Telescopes will be set up, and professional and amateur astronomers will be present to advise participants. Some of the locations of the Night of the Stars event are: Teotihuacan, Cholula, Monte Alban, Edzna, Dzibichaltun and Mexico City's Zocalo.

The ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica paid great attention to the sky, and even designed their cities in relation to the stars and celestial events. I think it is very appropriate that this night of observation will be taking place at archaeological sites across the country. The event will allow these archaeological zones to be enjoyed outside of the normal schedule, at night, when the sky can be fully appreciated.

Read more about the Night of the Stars, from the web site of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), or the official event web site, Noche de Estrellas (in Spanish).