May
17
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
May
17
9:30 PM21:30

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

View Event →
May
24
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
May
24
9:30 PM21:30

Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail!

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!

View Event →
May
31
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jun
14
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jun
14
9:45 PM21:45

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

View Event →
Jun
28
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jun
28
9:45 PM21:45

Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail!

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!

View Event →
Jul
5
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jul
12
9:45 PM21:45

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

View Event →
Jul
19
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jul
26
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Jul
26
9:30 PM21:30

Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail!

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!

View Event →
Aug
9
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Aug
9
9:15 PM21:15

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

View Event →
Aug
16
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Aug
23
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Aug
23
8:45 PM20:45

Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail!

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!

View Event →
Aug
30
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Sep
6
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Sep
6
8:30 PM20:30

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

View Event →
Sep
13
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Sep
20
11:00 AM11:00

Open Solar Observations at the Smokey Jack Observatory (Copy)

Come join us at the Smokey Jack Observatory 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!

View Event →
Sep
20
8:00 PM20:00

Electronic Assisted Star Party (EAA): See the Universe in Amazing Detail! (Copy)

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!

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May
17
9:30 PM21:30

Free Introduction to Telescopes Workshop

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!

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