A Dark Sky Subdivision in Cloudcroft New Mexico
A $74,900 1.77 acre lot. This corner lot is bounded on the Northeast side by Lincoln National Forest. |
Designed as a DARK SKY subdivision with strict light pollution controls, each lot has an observatory site near the top of the ridge running Southeast to Northwest along the north boundary. Most lots are wooded with clear-cuts only where necessary to have a clear horizon. Stars End is a seventeen lot subdivision at an elevation of 7000 - 7200 ft.
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Stars End is located across from the New Mexico Skies astronomy site. The latitude is approximately 33 degrees, therefore the southern horizon offers visibility of objects such as Canopus, Omega Centaur, and Centaurus X1. All lots have access to water, power, phone, and high speed internet utilities. The subdivision has an HOA that maintains roads, water systems, and enforces the covenants. The site currently houses remotely operated observatories as well as the homes and observatories of amateur astronomers. The area around Stars End is also home to several professional observatories.
Located Near Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Cloudcroft village is settled in the Sacramento Mountains, and hosts three festivals a year. Biking and hiking are popular summer activities, and Ski Cloudcroft is the southernmost ski area in the state. The climate in the area is moderate given the altitude, winter temps drop to the teens at night, while summer temps do not exceed 80 degrees.
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Cloudcroft is home to a historical railroad. The tracks were built in 1899 and dismantled in 1947. One of the more popular hikes in the area leads to the Mexican Canyon Trestle, the largest trestle constructed. The area is home to local mountain wildlife and features several waterfalls and caves. For more information visit cloudcroft.com
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Additional Photos
All aerial drone photographs are courtesy of Robert Ray at http://redshift48.com/astronomy-links/