Key Takeaways:
- A "First Light" celebration for "The Lockwood Monster," a newly unveiled 30-inch custom telescope, is scheduled for November 15–16.
- The event will occur at Mars New Mexico, specifically at Smugglers’ Roost and Lunar Base Alpha in Hidalgo County, within a Mars-themed environment.
- Key participants include David J. Eicher, Chief Editor Emeritus of Astronomy Magazine; Dr. Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society; and Neil Parker, Director of the Greenwich Observatory.
- Activities offered include evening deep-sky viewing with the Lockwood Monster, daytime solar viewing, guest talks, interactive telescope demonstrations, and exploration of a simulated lunar landscape featuring historic telescopes.
🚀For immediate release
In a universe already brimming with mysteries, one more is about to reveal itself — The Lockwood Monster.
This isn’t a creature from the deep, but a 30-inch custom telescope so powerful it can make galaxies blush. Its first encounter with starlight—known among Earthlings as “First Light” — will be celebrated on November 15–16 at Mars New Mexico, a place where science meets imagination and even the sandwiches have astronomical significance.
In a world where lights never cease and distractions dominate, the Lockwood Monster event invites you to stop, look up and reconnect. It’s more than a telescope — it’s a gateway to awe, discovery and experience. And when the universe shows up in stunning clarity through a 30-inch mirror, there’s no turning back.
The event will star three of humanity’s brightest beacons of cosmic curiosity:
- David J. Eicher, Chief Editor Emeritus of Astronomy Magazine
- Dr. Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society and maker of the Monster itself
- Neil Parker, Director of the Greenwich Observatory and cosmic storyteller supreme.
Nestled in the remote beauty of Hidalgo County, Mars NM offers not just astronomical views, but full-on immersion in a Mars-themed environment: Walk under unpolluted skies and feel the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned amateur astronomer or a curious soul looking for cosmic inspiration, this event has something for everyone:
- Evening sessions focused on galaxies and deep-sky objects through the Lockwood Monster
- Daytime solar-viewing, guest talks with Dave Eicher, interactive telescope demos
Story-filled stargaze nights around the campfire, Mars-style lodging and community vibe found at Smugglers’ Roost the creative hub of Pam Price of F5 Theming & Design.
Explore Lunar Base Alpha, a Pam Price themed tri-plex, featuring a simulated lunar landscape with habitats, rovers, and historic Clyde Tombaugh telescopes mounted on modern Dobsonians. Future expansions promise glamping domes under the Milky Way, remote-controlled rover adventures, and sustainable off-world living projects — all without leaving New Mexico.
Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot now at our Facebook event page for full details, FAQs and updates: Facebook Event. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to look through the sky-dominating Lockwood Monster and join a historic weekend at Mars NM and Smugglers’ Roost
💫 Why attend?
Because when a telescope this mighty opens its eye to the cosmos, the universe blinks back. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious hitchhiker with a towel, this weekend offers galactic grub, stellar company, and the rare joy of standing where science, art, and wonder collide.
🛰️ Join the cosmic journey
📍 Mars New Mexico – 2405 NM-338 Animas, NM 88020
📅 November 15–16, 2025
📞 Text 575-386-5886
📧 marsnewmexico@gmail.com
🌐 www.MarsNM.com
