About
As summer nights deepen, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a glowing river of stars. Under July’s dark skies, we look toward the dense center of our home galaxy, where star nebulae and clusters gather in one of the richest regions of the night sky.
Join OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and CU’s Fiske Planetarium for an evening of guided stargazing and telescope viewing beneath Boulder’s protected night skies.
Together, we’ll discover:
- The bright band of the Milky Way galaxy and why it appears so vivid in summer
- The Summer Triangle and how it helps us navigate the night sky
- Constellations like Scorpius and Sagittarius, which point toward the center of our galaxy
- Glowing nebulae and dense star clusters hidden within the Milky Way
Telescopes are provided. Friends and family welcome—participants of all ages and experience levels encouraged.
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
Positions
0 Remaining
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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