Bridget Samuelson, a Northrup Project Manager for the James Webb telescope program is coming to town to give a presentation on January 31st at 1:00 PM at the Jones Theater in Westcliffe. This is a free event open to the public; however, donations to Rebecca’s Fund are welcomed.

Please RSVP to Chuck Jagow at chuck@jagowds.com back to me if you are going to come – the promoters need a head count.

There will also be an astrophotography program for kids that evening.  Local professional astrophotographer Mike Pach will be hosting an evening workshop for kids and cameras at night outdoors.  They will have a stop at the Smokey Jack Observatory to learn about telescopes.  If you are interested in attending or would like more info for this workshop, please contact Chuck Jagow at chuck@jagowds.com.

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Have a telescope and don’t know to use it? This is a common frustration with many new astronomers. In response to this issue, we are now offering a Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley exclusive workshop at the Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) when it is closed during the full Moon phase. This is a new program for us and will likely be a work in progress. 

This workshop is geared for beginners needing help with setting up and using their telescopes.

All attendees will meet on the pad next to the SJO.

Things we can help with are:

• How to properly setup your telescope.

• What eyepieces should I use?

• How to align my telescope?

• Does my telescope even need to be aligned?

• How to collimate a telescope.

• Align the finder scope, red dot finder, or laser.

• How to find things in the night sky.

• What can I expect to see through my telescope.

We are limited in both space and the number of people we can help at any given time. We do ask that you contact us to reserve a spot. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, email, and the number of people who will be with you. We also need to know the make and model of your telescope. Send your information to workshops@darkskiescolorado.org. 

There is no fee for these workshops. However, as a non-profit, we do greatly appreciate any and all donations!

Join us for an enchanting Star Party on May 31, 2025, as we explore the wonders of the night sky in the heart of the Wet Mountain Valley, a certified Dark Sky Community. Under the shimmering canopy of stars, we’ll identify constellations such as Virgo and Scorpius, and spot the glowing first-quarter Moon setting in the west. Through telescopes, we’ll marvel at Spica, Virgo’s brightest star, and the dazzling red giant Antares in Scorpius. As the evening deepens, we’ll share stories from ancient mythology, including the legend of Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer who holds the key to cosmic healing. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, this night promises to ignite your imagination and connect you to the universe.

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a new special way to view our pristine night skies!

We'll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14” telescope at the Smokey Jack Observatory and take live images to project on a 10 foot outdoor screen from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. You will be able to see full color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters

Please note that there will not be any additional telescopes set up for visual use. And plan to dress warmly for probable cold/chilly weather.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a spectacular Star Party on May 31, 2025, as we explore the breathtaking night sky over the Wet Mountain Valley. Under the pristine dark skies, we’ll identify brilliant constellations such as Scorpius, Libra, and Sagittarius, with its iconic "teapot" shape. Through telescopes, we’ll view the glowing red giant Antares in Scorpius, and the star clusters and nebulae of Sagittarius, including the Lagoon Nebula (M8). As the evening unfolds, we’ll share the myth of Scorpius, the great scorpion sent by the goddess Artemis to hunt Orion, whose battle is immortalized in the sky. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, this night will offer an unforgettable connection to the universe.

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Have a telescope and don’t know to use it? This is a common frustration with many new astronomers. In response to this issue, we are now offering a Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley exclusive workshop at the Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) when it is closed during the full Moon phase. This is a new program for us and will likely be a work in progress. 

This workshop is geared for beginners needing help with setting up and using their telescopes.

All attendees will meet on the pad next to the SJO.

Things we can help with are:

• How to properly setup your telescope.

• What eyepieces should I use?

• How to align my telescope?

• Does my telescope even need to be aligned?

• How to collimate a telescope.

• Align the finder scope, red dot finder, or laser.

• How to find things in the night sky.

• What can I expect to see through my telescope.

We are limited in both space and the number of people we can help at any given time. We do ask that you contact us to reserve a spot. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, email, and the number of people who will be with you. We also need to know the make and model of your telescope. Send your information to workshops@darkskiescolorado.org. 

There is no fee for these workshops. However, as a non-profit, we do greatly appreciate any and all donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for an unforgettable Star Party on June 21, 2025, as we celebrate the summer solstice under the pristine dark skies of the Wet Mountain Valley. With the longest day transitioning into a magical night, we’ll explore constellations such as Lyra, Cygnus, and Hercules. Through telescopes, we’ll marvel at Vega, one of the brightest stars in the summer triangle, and delve into the sparkling Ring Nebula (M57) in Lyra. As twilight fades, we’ll share celestial stories, including the myth of Orpheus and his lyre, whose music still graces the heavens. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just curious, this night will inspire awe and wonder.

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a new special way to view our pristine night skies!

We'll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14” telescope at the Smokey Jack Observatory and take live images to project on a 10 foot outdoor screen from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. You will be able to see full color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters

Please note that there will not be any additional telescopes set up for visual use. And plan to dress warmly for probable cold/chilly weather.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Have a telescope and don’t know to use it? This is a common frustration with many new astronomers. In response to this issue, we are now offering a Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley exclusive workshop at the Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) when it is closed during the full Moon phase. This is a new program for us and will likely be a work in progress. 

This workshop is geared for beginners needing help with setting up and using their telescopes.

All attendees will meet on the pad next to the SJO.

Things we can help with are:

• How to properly setup your telescope.

• What eyepieces should I use?

• How to align my telescope?

• Does my telescope even need to be aligned?

• How to collimate a telescope.

• Align the finder scope, red dot finder, or laser.

• How to find things in the night sky.

• What can I expect to see through my telescope.

We are limited in both space and the number of people we can help at any given time. We do ask that you contact us to reserve a spot. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, email, and the number of people who will be with you. We also need to know the make and model of your telescope. Send your information to workshops@darkskiescolorado.org. 

There is no fee for these workshops. However, as a non-profit, we do greatly appreciate any and all donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a new special way to view our pristine night skies!

We'll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14” telescope at the Smokey Jack Observatory and take live images to project on a 10 foot outdoor screen from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. You will be able to see full color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters

Please note that there will not be any additional telescopes set up for visual use. And plan to dress warmly for probable cold/chilly weather.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Have a telescope and don’t know to use it? This is a common frustration with many new astronomers. In response to this issue, we are now offering a Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley exclusive workshop at the Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) when it is closed during the full Moon phase. This is a new program for us and will likely be a work in progress. 

This workshop is geared for beginners needing help with setting up and using their telescopes.

All attendees will meet on the pad next to the SJO.

Things we can help with are:

• How to properly setup your telescope.

• What eyepieces should I use?

• How to align my telescope?

• Does my telescope even need to be aligned?

• How to collimate a telescope.

• Align the finder scope, red dot finder, or laser.

• How to find things in the night sky.

• What can I expect to see through my telescope.

We are limited in both space and the number of people we can help at any given time. We do ask that you contact us to reserve a spot. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, email, and the number of people who will be with you. We also need to know the make and model of your telescope. Send your information to workshops@darkskiescolorado.org. 

There is no fee for these workshops. However, as a non-profit, we do greatly appreciate any and all donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a mesmerizing Star Party on August 16, 2025, as the late summer skies come alive above the pristine Wet Mountain Valley. This night offers a stunning view of constellations like Sagittarius and Aquila, with the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. Through telescopes, we’ll explore the bright star Altair in the Summer Triangle and the teapot-shaped asterism of Sagittarius, home to celestial treasures like the Lagoon Nebula (M8). As the night deepens, we’ll share tales of Aquila, the Eagle, and its place in Greek mythology as Zeus’s messenger. Whether you're a stargazing enthusiast or simply curious about the cosmos, this evening will be an unforgettable journey through the stars.

4o

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a new special way to view our pristine night skies!

We'll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14” telescope at the Smokey Jack Observatory and take live images to project on a 10 foot outdoor screen from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. You will be able to see full color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters

Please note that there will not be any additional telescopes set up for visual use. And plan to dress warmly for probable cold/chilly weather.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a captivating Star Party on August 30, 2025, as we observe the night sky in the tranquil Wet Mountain Valley. As the late summer night unfolds, we’ll explore constellations like Capella in Auriga, Pisces, and the ever-gleaming Andromeda. Through telescopes, we’ll get a closer look at Alpheratz, the brightest star in Andromeda, and perhaps glimpse the distant Andromeda Galaxy (M31), our closest galactic neighbor. As the stars twinkle above, we’ll share the myth of Andromeda and Perseus, an ancient tale of love and heroism written in the stars. Whether you're new to stargazing or a seasoned observer, this night promises to inspire wonder and awe as we connect with the vastness of the universe.

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Have a telescope and don’t know to use it? This is a common frustration with many new astronomers. In response to this issue, we are now offering a Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley exclusive workshop at the Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO) when it is closed during the full Moon phase. This is a new program for us and will likely be a work in progress. 

This workshop is geared for beginners needing help with setting up and using their telescopes.

All attendees will meet on the pad next to the SJO.

Things we can help with are:

• How to properly setup your telescope.

• What eyepieces should I use?

• How to align my telescope?

• Does my telescope even need to be aligned?

• How to collimate a telescope.

• Align the finder scope, red dot finder, or laser.

• How to find things in the night sky.

• What can I expect to see through my telescope.

We are limited in both space and the number of people we can help at any given time. We do ask that you contact us to reserve a spot. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, email, and the number of people who will be with you. We also need to know the make and model of your telescope. Send your information to workshops@darkskiescolorado.org. 

There is no fee for these workshops. However, as a non-profit, we do greatly appreciate any and all donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a stunning Star Party on September 13, 2025, as we gaze upon the autumn skies over the Wet Mountain Valley. This evening, we’ll explore the constellations of Pegasus, Aquarius, and the faint but fascinating Delphinus. Through telescopes, we’ll focus on Alpheratz in Pegasus, the Great Square, and the rich star fields of M2, a globular cluster in Aquarius. As we look upward, we’ll share the myth of Pegasus, the winged horse who sprang from the blood of Medusa, and its connection to the hero Perseus. Whether you're an avid astronomer or a first-time stargazer, this night will offer a memorable journey through the cosmos.

Attendees will be able to observe our pristine night sky thru the lens of the Smokey Jack Observatory’s 14”, state of the art telescope. Additional telescopes will be setup around the Observatory for viewing and one of our trained Star Guides will be pointing out the brightest stars and constellations.

Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Come join us at Bluff Park in Westcliffe for a free, open to the public, day of viewing the enormous star right above us every day, our Sun aka Sol!

The Sun will reach its maximum activity (Solar Maximum) sometime in 2024 or 2025. The views of the Sun with our solar telescopes should be particularly interesting in the near term, so please join us for Solar Sessions at Bluff Park! No reservations are required. Sessions begin at 11:00 AM and end at noon.

This special daytime experience utilizes special solar filters and solar telescopes to allow totally safe viewing of the Sun. Our sun is dynamic and may display solar flares, solar prominences and sunspots at any time, or sometimes nothing special at all!

No reservations are needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!

Join us for a new special way to view our pristine night skies!

We'll hook up a camera to our state of the art 14” telescope at the Smokey Jack Observatory and take live images to project on a 10 foot outdoor screen from the comfort of our newly built mini amphitheater. You will be able to see full color images with amazing detail of galaxies, star clusters, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters

Please note that there will not be any additional telescopes set up for visual use. And plan to dress warmly for probable cold/chilly weather.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Depending on weather conditions, public events can be cancelled the day of the event. All cancellations will be made at least 2 hours before the event start time the day of the event and our voicemail greeting will be changed to announce the cancellation. In order to obtain cancellation details you can call our phone number, 719-398-1284. We will also post on our X account with any last second changes or updates.

As always, these events are free. However, as a non-profit, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions of our supporters. We do greatly appreciate your tax deductible donations!