Planetary Geology & Spaceflight Experience. Oct. 8-12, 2026

Explore the Moon and Planets without leaving Earth with other like-minded members of the Planetary Society!

Join an expertly-guided tour of New Mexico's planetary analog sites and real astronaut training grounds with life-long Planetary Society member and planetary geologist Dr. Kirby Runyon. We'll also venture to Virgin Galactic's launch site at Spaceport America and see what a fun departure point from Earth it is for so many private astronauts. Try your hand on a simulated space mission at Las Cruces' Challenger Learning Center and peruse New Mexico's space history at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. 

Approximate itinerary (subject to change due to availability and weather): Oct. 8: Arrive and stay at Best Western El Paso Airport Entrada Hotel or Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel and Water Park; informal meet and greet at the Wyndham hotel bar. Oct. 9: Spaceport America and Virgin Galactic. Oct. 10: Museum of Space History, Carrizozo Lava Flow, White Sands National Park, Dinner at Casa El Camino. Oct. 11: Kilbourne Hole, Aden Crater and/or Challenger Learning Center. Oct. 12: Depart for home. Note that the Aden Crater visit is the only stop with any degree of strenuous walking or hiking, which involves about 2 miles total of walking on rough terrain.

Questions? Contact Dr. Kirby at kirby@planex.space. Fee covers registration, access to sites, and group ground transportation; participants are responsible for travel to and from El Paso, TX, lodging at a local airport hotel (more later), and all meal costs, though time and transportation will be provided for group meals. Weather and time permitting, we will have guided stargazing. We're joined by space educator and philosopher Dr. Mark Wagner, author of the book, "Space Education: Preparing Students for Humanity’s Multi-Planet Future." No refunds unless of event cancellation, but tickets are transferable. PayPal purchase will appear as "nasaman58" or "nasaman58@gmail.com."