Summertime stargazing

Page 18 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor Summer in Berthoud 2022 Mark your calendars for summertime stargazing

By Amber McIver-Traywick

The Surveyor

There are many opportunities to stargaze this summer. Whether you’re enjoying the night sky right here in Berthoud (we do have a dark sky ordinance after all) or travel a little way to enjoy the beauty above us it’s a worthwhile adventure.

Berthoud has two observatories, The Little Thompson Observatory by Berthoud High School and The Bunyan Observatory in the courtyard of the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum on Mountain Avenue. Both have free public viewing nights with topical programs. Check out the organization’s websites for updated information. berthoudhistoricalsociety.org/ stargazing/ and starkids.org.

You can also take in the beauty of the night sky over the Rockies with members of the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS). Telescopes are available for viewing stars, galaxies, planets and more. This open house-style program is located at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space in Fort Collins (on County Road 38E, around the reservoir on the west side. (Address is 6550 W. County Road 38 E, Fort Collins, CO, 80526). Dress warmly for evening temperatures and bring binoculars if you have them. For up-to-date weather information, visit the NCAS website at nocoastro.org. The next viewing nights are Saturday, May 28 and Saturday, June 18. Stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible experience. If you’ve never seen a sky almost completely void of light pollution it is well worth making a trip. To see even the dimmest stars splashed across the velvety black sky and the full splendor of the Milky Way is breathtaking. Almost anywhere in RMNP will provide stellar views of the sky. However, driving Trail Ridge Road at night, which isn’t for the faint of heart or first-timers does provide phenomenal views. Prior to the pandemic, RMNP offered night sky and astronomy programs. These were ranger-led programs that were a great way to learn about the stars and see the night sky in a whole new way. As of now, there are no programs scheduled but keep an eye on the park’s website for possible updates.

If you happen to be out for a drive the following link is a map that includes great places to stop along the way to take in the night sky colorado.com/coloradostargazing.