The New Mexico state parks system is getting a third observatory.
Officials on April 20 will celebrate the grand opening of the observatory at Leasburg Dam State Park. The facility in Radium Springs north of Las Cruces is a partnership between the state park, the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces and the New Mexico State University Astronomy Department.
The building features a 12'x16' Observatory Room, housing the telescope, with an adjacent 8'x16' "Warm Room". The roof over the observatory room rolls back off to allow the telescope a clear view of the sky. Total costs for the observatory building are about $50,000.
Grand opening ceremonies will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and are free to the public.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.