If you dream of mystical dark skies full of stars, plan a visit to Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado! Here you can peer deep into the universe, see the Milky Way, and make a wish on a shooting star.
In fact, our stargazing is so good that in the future, we hope to become a certified Dark Sky Community. This summer, you can enjoy the night sky with our free stargazing programs.
Photo: @z_armstrong5280
JUST HOW DARK ARE THESE SKIES?
Colorado Mountain College student, Elliott Gorsuch, has been collecting the data needed to apply to DarkSky International. He ventures into the night to measure the sky’s darkness, taking readings with the Sky Quality Meter-Lense, as well as tracking data like latitude and longitude, cloud cover, temperature, and time of night to gain a full sense of the sky’s darkness.
His readings show more than 90 percent of true dark skies near Twin Lakes and in wilderness areas. Where might skies be darker than that? Very remote places, like above the middle of the ocean. There, you can see stars that are only visible with very dark skies.
Completing the work needed to receive Dark Sky Community certification will take a couple of years. In addition to collecting data and doing community outreach, locations like Leadville-Twin Lakes need to pass lighting ordinances that protect night skies.
Photo: @zakappleton
WHY DO DARK SKIES MATTER?
When night becomes day, it disrupts navigation and natural rhythms of wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, says DarkSky International. It separates us from our night sky heritage, which has “inspired science, religion, philosophy, art, and literature.” Outdoor lighting fixtures can waste energy and money, and studies show that lighting does not prevent crime. Learn more about light pollution and how to bring about darker skies.
Pro tip: If you want to find the best stargazing, Elliott reports that areas near Tennessee Pass are often the darkest of the ones he surveys.
JOIN STARGAZING & TELESCOPE PROGRAMS IN TWIN LAKES
To see the dark skies for yourself, join free stargazing and telescope programs this summer.
Joan and Leo from the US Forest Service lead these programs, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.
WHAT TO BRING
For all programs:
- Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes
- Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on
- Bring a headlamp with a red (or low-light color) setting
- All programs are weather-dependent and may be cancelled if there is rain or lightning
- Children must be accompanied by an adult for these fun, free programs
- Recommend downloading the Stellarium App on your mobile device
1) SPRING CONSTELLATIONS AND TELESCOPE VIEWING AT RED ROOSTER – TWIN LAKES
Are you intrigued about the night sky? Ever wondered about the stories behind the stars? Join Leo Pareti and Joan Veilleux from the Forest Service for some stargazing on the shores of Twin Lakes. Listen to stories of the spring constellations, learn how to reduce light pollution and gaze through telescopes to see deep sky objects! (See What to Bring, above)
- Friday, May 23, 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24, 8:30 p.m.
Meet at Red Rooster Boat Ramp in Twin Lakes
2) SCORPION STAR PARTY CONSTELLATION & TELESCOPE VIEWING AT RED ROOSTER – TWIN LAKES
Join Joan Veilleux and Leo Pareti from the Forest Service who will present a “Scorpion star party” underneath the July sky. Gaze through an advanced telescopes and see deep sky objects within the Milky Way galaxy! (See What to Bring, above)
- Friday, July 18, 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 19, 8:30 p.m.
Meet at Red Rooster Boat Ramp in Twin Lakes
3) FULL MOON GUIDED HIKE & TELESCOPE PROGRAM AT MOUNTAIN VIEW – TWIN LAKES
Join Joan Veilleux and Leo Pareti from the Forest Service to take a guided hike along the Colorado Trail and learn how the full moon affects forest animals. Then gaze at detailed views of craters and valleys of the moon through the telescopes. (See What to Bring, above)
- Saturday, June 7, 8:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 9, 8:30 p.m.
Meet at Mountain View Fishing Site in Twin Lakes
4) MILKY WAY SUMMER STAR PARTY – TWIN LAKES
Mythical Greek stories, a guided constellation tour and telescope viewing of deep sky objects. Special guests Mike Brooks, from the Gunnison Valley Observatory, and Aaron Watson, a Colorado Dark Sky Certification Specialist, will be in attendance.
- Friday, August 22nd & Saturday, August 23rd
Meet at Red Rooster Boat Ramp in Twin Lakes
We hope to see you there!
Photo: @stevoco1979
MORE ON DARK SKIES AT LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES
See “Enjoy Dark Skies at Leadville-Twin Lakes” to see where to go, find stargazing resources, and learn how to preserve dark skies while on your trip.
Stay in Twin Lakes and experience the dark skies for yourself from a campground, cabin or lake view home.
Cover photo: @larsleberphotography
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