If you are a star gazing fan and want to learn more about the wonders of the night sky you will be happy to learn that Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park has an incredible astronomy program and hosts free events throughout the summer months.
Their event schedule kicks on the evening of June 3rd at the Moraine Park Discovery Center where National Park Service staff and volunteer astronomers will share “Stories of the Moon and Stars” and feature family friendly activities for all ages. As the sun dips below the horizon, visitors can step up to telescopes provided by a great team of volunteer astronomers and get a crisp view of the celestial bodies that have inspired humans for eons.
The program is free but parking is limited, Rocky Mountain National Park recommends arriving early or drop in later as parking spaces become available. Rocky Mountain National Park also encourages guests to bring a flashlight with a red light or a red-light filter to help protect your night vision and the night vision of other visitors. All night sky programs are weather permitting.
Learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park astronomy programs below.
Night Sky & Astronomy Programs:
Astronomy in the Park:
Join us on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at Park & Ride Parking Area for an evening under the stars. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
Astronomy in the Park will take place on the following days:
- Friday, June 27
- Friday, July 18
- Friday, July 25
- Friday, August 15
- Friday, August 22
The evening begins with a Park Ranger-led program focused on wonders of the night sky as the sun begins to set. As twilight transitions to night, enjoy looking up at features of the night sky using telescopes provided by an amazing team of night sky volunteers.
Stories of the Moon & Stars:
The moon and stars have inspired humans and their stories for thousands of years. Join us on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at the Moraine Park Discover Center Parking Area for an evening under the stars. This program begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
Stories of the Moon & Stars will take place on the following days:
- Tuesday, June 3
- Tuesday, July 1
- Tuesday, July 29
This program begins with a Park Ranger-led program that features fun family-friendly activities for all ages. As the sun sets and twilight transitions to night, enjoy looking up at different features of the night sky using telescopes provided by a great team of volunteer astronomers.
