Out of this world: The Albuquerque Astronomical Society presents family events at 'Cosmic Carnival'

It’s time to get out of this world – again.

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society is presenting “Cosmic Carnival 2023” on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Open Space Visitor Center.

According to Lynne Olson, TAAS publicity chair, the event will begin at 1 p.m. and run through 5 p.m.

Then from 6-10 p.m. the organization will host its star party at the Open Space Visitor Center.

“This is my favorite place,” Olson says. “We started the events years ago and have been at locations such as Tiguex Park and Balloon Fiesta Park. The Open Space Visitor Center offers us more flexibility for the event.”

Olson says the entire afternoon will feature groups, individuals and organizations in the Albuquerque area.

Out of this world: The Albuquerque Astronomical Society presents family events at 'Cosmic Carnival'

Some of the groups participating will be Albuquerque Rocket Society, Albuquerque Library, Explora Science Center, InterGalactic Cultural Relations Institute, New Mexico Tech, National Radio Astronomy Organization-VLA, NOAA Weather Service, National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, Santa Fe Alliance for Science, NASA Solar System Ambassador, UNM Meteoritics and Dark Sky Albuquerque.

“In the evening there will be more excitement,” Olson says. “The fall session of the TAAS Fab Fifty will feature a myriad of telescopes, as well as a laser-guided tour.”

Olson says the event will have activities for children.

“I call the ‘Cosmic Carnival’ an event for children of all ages,” Olson says. “Some of the exhibits are geared for young people. I usually tell people to bring their curiosity.”

Last year’s event was attended by 400 people, and Olson says the space can allot for more.

“When we hosted the eclipse event, we had 2,100 people,” she says. “We work real hard to get everyone the proper space needed for everyone to feel comfortable and spaced out.”