This event has been cancelled.
About
As summer approaches, the glowing band of the Milky Way begins to rise in the eastern sky, revealing some of the richest regions of our home galaxy. Under June’s new moon, dark skies allow us to explore star clusters, glowing nebulae, and dense star fields that lie toward the center of the Milky Way.
Join OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and CU’s Fiske Planetarium for guided stargazing and telescope viewing beneath Boulder’s protected night skies.
Together, we’ll discover:
- The Milky Way galaxy rising in the eastern sky and why summer offers some of the best stargazing of the year
- Bright summer stars including Vega, Deneb, and Altair, which form the well-known Summer Triangle
- Star clusters and glowing nebulae hidden within the dense star clouds of our galaxy
- How our solar system sits inside one spiral arm of the vast Milky Way
Telescopes are provided. All ages and experience levels are welcome at this friends and family friendly event.
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
Age Limit
All Ages
Parking Details
Parking is limited at the Beech Shelter. If the lot is full, additional parking is available at the Left Hand Trailhead, about a ¾-mile walk from the shelter.
Sustainable Development Goals
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