–
August 15, 2026
Dark Skies & Deep Space: Shooting Stars & Distant Galaxies
Warm summer nights offer some of the most dynamic skies of the year. As the Milky Way arches overhead, meteors from the Perseid shower streak across the darkness, while distant galaxies begin to rise in the east — offering a glimpse beyond our own cosmic neighborhood.
Join OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and CU’s Fiske Planetarium for a relaxed evening of stargazing, meteor watching, and telescope viewing.
Together, we’ll discover:
- The glowing band of the Milky Way and the star-filled regions at its core
- The Perseid meteor shower and how to watch for shooting stars
- The rising Andromeda Galaxy, one of our nearest galactic neighbors
- Late-summer constellations and how the sky begins to shift toward fall
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
Star party was moved from Beech Shelter to Lefthand Trail Head due to concerns about rattlesnakes at Beech Shelter.
For location see https://share.google/iHZkBBo4c0mBzwAWk
https://volunteer.bouldercolorado.gov/event/861225-dark-skies-deep-space-shooting-stars-distant-galaxies