We are among the many disappointed that Chimney Rock National Monument, the Puebloan archaeological site between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, will close to the public when the major lunar standstill is viewable between the monument’s two sandstone spires.
Understandable, though. The closure is for safety reasons. And the masses that would likely show up far exceed the literally two or three spots for viewing alongside a cliff.
Some agency and academic partners, though, will be permitted in limited numbers. And we’d like to see this tight group expanded to include as many tribal members and Puebloans as reasonable with ancestral ties to Chimney Rock.
Talks among the Forest Service and 24 to 27 tribes and Puebloans, are going on now. Josh Peck, district ranger in Pagosa, has not had an overwhelming number of requests from Native American communities interested in being on site during the MLS. But this could change in coming months.
A pad would accommodate 10 to 15 people, but the viewing area is alongside a cliff, where two to three would be shuffled through in only the light of the moon.
But how to select whom? How to determine who, why and when Indigenous peoples, many whose ancestors migrated through Chimney Rock, should see the moon viewings? First-come, first-served? A lottery system? A vote? Participants hand-picked by elders? Those chosen based on lineage?
Without the fire tower that was a viewing platform, removed in 2010, San Juan Forest Service employees can’t accommodate a crowd eager to experience what the Ancients did. Watching the moon rise to its northernmost point in its multiyear journey, bracketed between the stone pillars, not to return until 18.6 years later.
Hazards include the strenuous upper mesa trail that is steep, rocky and, sometimes, icy in winter, along a narrow ridgeline with 1,000-foot cliffs on both sides. The lack of cliff barriers and lighting, the 7-mile roundtrip walk. Limited cell service in emergencies – all informed the decision to deny public access.
Fair enough.
But it’s important that a process and criteria allow for people with a connection to this place feel and see what we’ve heard is an awe-inspiring experience with profound cultural, historical and spiritual value, and significance.
Peck said the Pagosa Ranger District is “focused on our mandate of providing access to sacred sites traditionally associated with Native American communities, while also being able to share the experience with a broader audience.”
This would include livestream or video recording, with more optimal viewing around the Winter Solstice.
We’re curious how invitees would share these celestial occurrences. How would Indigenous residents talk and write about, celebrate and create art from the moments of this rare celestial event?
More important, how could this experience alter a life?
More than 1,000 years ago, construction of the Chacoan-style, tightly built Great House of pale stones was organized around the force of the moon. Kivas were built during lunar standstills. The Great House was positioned to capture where the moonrise would be best seen. Talk about creating your own stellar view.
Archaeoastronomy meets wonder.
The moon rising is visible for a few days throughout the year over the course of three years.
Beyond its beauty and mystery, we’re considering the moon’s prominent affects – tides, time, light – and how they gently tug at our behavior, sleep, moods and more. There’s something to this. Just ask a reporter who has spent time on the police beat during a full moon. More than usual wacky activity.
The moon’s influence can be felt, but not always explained. But for those with an opportunity to see the moon framed between Chimney Rock’s sandstone spires, we’d sure like to hear them try to articulate this experience.
