Dark Skies & Deep Space: International DarkSky Week and the Lyrid Meteor Shower
Listed by Public Events and Programs
About
In celebration of International DarkSky Week, experience the beauty and importance of natural darkness under April’s new moon skies. With no moonlight to dim the view, distant galaxies, star clusters, and the first meteors of the Lyrid shower come into focus. This special evening explores how protecting dark skies connects us to the cosmos, supports wildlife, and helps preserve this shared resource for future generations.
Join OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and the Fiske Planetarium for a guided night sky experience. We’ll focus on the constellation Lyra, home to the bright star Vega, and the radiant point of the Lyrid meteor shower.
Together, we’ll discover:
- How artificial light affects wildlife, ecosystems, and our ability to see the stars plus what we can do to help protect natural darkness
- The early activity of the Lyrid meteor shower and how to watch for these brief streaks of light
- How to locate the constellation Lyra and its brightest star, Vega
- Distant galaxies and star clusters visible through telescopes under new moon skies
- Telescopes are provided. Friends and Family event! All ages and experience levels are welcome.
What to bring:
- Red flashlight or headlamp: Helps preserve night vision (avoid white light)
- Warm layers: Temperatures drop quickly after sunset
- Blanket or camp chair: Makes sky-watching more comfortable
- Water and snacks: Stargazing is better when you’re hydrated and happy
- Binoculars: Many planets and bright objects look great with small optics
- Please leave dogs at home
People
Non-Profit / Community Organization
Recent Impacts
Location
4P39+CCH - Altona, Colorado
Sustainable Development Goals
