Lecture: Dr. J. McKim Malville: Exploring Astronomy and Culture at Chimney Rock

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is honored to host a special lecture with renowned archaeoastronomer and physicist Dr. J. McKim “Kim” Malville, titled Exploring Astronomy and Culture at Chimney Rock. The event will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Archuleta County Extension Building, located at 344 US-84, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Dr. Malville, professor emeritus of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, has devoted decades to studying sacred sites across the globe—from Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde to Egypt, Peru, and India. In 1988, he and his team became the first in nearly 900 years to observe the Major Lunar Standstill moon rising between the spires of Chimney Rock National Monument. Since then, his groundbreaking research has illuminated the astronomical and ceremonial significance of this ancient Ancestral Puebloan site.

In this illuminating lecture, Dr. Malville will explore what we’ve learned through three Major Lunar Standstill cycles about the intersection of astronomy, architecture, and spiritual life at Chimney Rock. He will discuss the evolution of ceremonial practices on the High Mesa—from solstice sunrises to the 1054 supernova—and the collaboration between local communities and Chacoan masons that led to the construction of the Great Houses that still awes modern visitors.

This lecture offers a rare opportunity to hear from one of the leading scholars in archaeoastronomy, whose work helped establish Chimney Rock’s place as a site of international cultural and scientific importance.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated and help support CRIA’s ongoing educational programming.

CRIA’s free Lecture Series offers the opportunity each year for the public and CRIA volunteers to enjoy a speaker whose topic typically relates to southwest archaeology, archaeoastronomy and/or Chacoan culture.

Thanks to LPEA for the Round Up Foundation Grant Award. This support helps fund our free lecture series, sharing Chimney Rock National Monument’s cultural and natural significance.

CRIA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers interpretive programs at Chimney Rock National Monument in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the San Juan National Forest. For more information see the CRIA website at www.chimneyrockco.org  or call (970) 731-7133.