Sapello, New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sapello
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 Sapello
Location in New Mexico
Sapello
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | San Miguel |
| Elevation | 6,969 ft (2,124 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP codes |
87745
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| Area code(s) | 505 |
| GNIS feature ID | 910814 |
Sapello is a small, special place in New Mexico, United States. It is an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. Sapello is found in San Miguel County.
This community is located where two state roads meet: State Road 94 and State Road 518. It is about 12.5 miles (20.1 km) north of a larger city called Las Vegas. Long ago, Sapello was an important stop for traders. It was a trading post along the famous Santa Fe Trail.
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Why Sapello is a Great Place for Stargazing
Sapello is very popular with people who love to look at the stars. These people are called astronomers. The reason Sapello is so good for stargazing is because it has very little light pollution.
What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution happens when too much artificial light from cities and towns shines into the night sky. This light makes it hard to see faint stars and galaxies. In Sapello, there aren't many bright lights. This means the night sky stays very dark.
Seeing the Stars Clearly
When the sky is dark, astronomers can see many more stars. They can also see planets, the Milky Way galaxy, and other amazing things in space much more clearly. This makes Sapello a perfect spot for setting up telescopes and enjoying the wonders of the universe.
A Planet Named After Sapello
Did you know that a small planet in space is named after this community? It's true! A minor planet called 143641 Sapello was named to honor this special place. This shows how important Sapello is to the world of astronomy.
Sapello's History as a Trading Post
Long ago, Sapello played an important role in travel and trade. It was a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail.
What Was the Santa Fe Trail?
The Santa Fe Trail was a very important route in the 1800s. It was a busy path for wagons and travelers. The trail connected Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. People used it to transport goods, trade, and explore new lands.
Sapello's Role on the Trail
As a trading post, Sapello offered a place for travelers to rest. They could also buy and sell goods there. This made Sapello a lively and important spot for many years. It helped connect different parts of the country through trade.
