https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/home daily 1.0 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1510603486106-DTH4EKF3YQHBIXVF2X3V/MilkyWay10-barn-bizcard.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1521418027279-273YVAVHKBDZGAOPSU1I/IMG_1878.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1690060198944-PI39OTZAOKGGWE4EGWOQ/Scott+Dankoff+milky+way+and+town.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1768865555325-6FBOBL7NWSFUWXQ64587/Background.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1768865756382-YF7PM9A1OKQSYGOUPFVA/Background.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523481740337-TRXW187XR7KUY9PTOXGG/2018-03_DS_Donates-Books.jpg Home Dark Skies members Susan "Sam" Frostman and Kris McAllister present donated astronomy books to local elementary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1625607506385-WQJNK7YPDG508HW5HF5M/SJO-+PLEASE+ATTRIBUTE+TO++Debbie+Adams.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/3fad31b3-8a4f-4efa-9ab8-02ad74c47e8d/fi-DarkSky-new-logo-1.jpg Home We are proud to be a member of DarkSky, the recognized authority on light pollution and the world leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. As certified Dark Skies Communities, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff were the first to be certified in Colorado and we are still one of the world’s highest altitude certified Dark Skies Community! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/801e1ee9-c528-441a-b4a5-d136d36cef75/Logo+-No+Background+WEB.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1768866484343-SL177W3WSASXT9JSEB43/jim+bradburn+1.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1768866486260-TVUJ2PJ63UM0KYCBYJS1/jim+bradburn+3.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1768866484413-EYTOXC8JKN5Z6KSK830V/jim+bradburn+2.jpeg Home https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events daily 0.75 2025-01-13 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/2/13/free-introduction-to-telescopes-workshop-wes3t-kw8d6-8a4sd-s725a-w58h8-srblr-42sts-dw2eb-pn633-f8z6s-p9b4d monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/2/13/free-introduction-to-telescopes-workshop-wes3t-kw8d6-8a4sd-s725a-w58h8-srblr-42sts-dw2eb-pn633-f8z6s monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/2/13/free-introduction-to-telescopes-workshop-wes3t-kw8d6-8a4sd-s725a-w58h8-srblr-42sts-dw2eb-pn633 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/5/21/electronic-assisted-star-party-eaa-j4d5z-d98dz-t7ht7-pnpzh-3pa65-2bwct-8lx5x-ymnaw-ghltz-w9ta4-z6h4d-t39a8-5dgcn-6mypy-fb7an-s2ntd-9k63j-px7k7 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/5/21/electronic-assisted-star-party-eaa-j4d5z-d98dz-t7ht7-pnpzh-3pa65-2bwct-8lx5x-ymnaw-ghltz-w9ta4-z6h4d-t39a8-5dgcn-6mypy-fb7an-s2ntd-9k63j monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/5/21/electronic-assisted-star-party-eaa-j4d5z-d98dz-t7ht7-pnpzh-3pa65-2bwct-8lx5x-ymnaw-ghltz-w9ta4-z6h4d-t39a8-5dgcn-6mypy-fb7an-s2ntd monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2020/5/23/public-star-party-the-spring-constellations-arrive-ehdj5-gx82c-s8nxw-flj27-9rt6b-e27rc monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2020/5/23/public-star-party-the-spring-constellations-arrive-ehdj5-gx82c-s8nxw-flj27-9rt6b monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2020/5/23/public-star-party-the-spring-constellations-arrive-ehdj5-gx82c-s8nxw-flj27-hbg45 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2020/5/23/public-star-party-the-spring-constellations-arrive-ehdj5-gx82c-s8nxw-flj27 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl-3lwdg-frp3l-e3bsd-djl94-w685f-pkkxn-8a83g-e4t2f-mls5e monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - 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Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl-3lwdg-frp3l-e3bsd-djl94 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl-3lwdg-frp3l-e3bsd monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl-3lwdg-frp3l monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl-3lwdg monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4-7x8nl monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4-p53e4 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-43bm4 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2020/5/23/public-star-party-the-spring-constellations-arrive-ehdj5-gx82c-s8nxw monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/5/21/electronic-assisted-star-party-eaa-j4d5z-d98dz-t7ht7-pnpzh-3pa65-2bwct-8lx5x-ymnaw-ghltz-w9ta4-z6h4d-t39a8-5dgcn-6mypy-fb7an monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/2022/2/13/free-introduction-to-telescopes-workshop-wes3t-kw8d6-8a4sd-s725a-w58h8-srblr-42sts-dw2eb monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5-8cga6 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/events/5xa5rxpag2ta6y2-29x9m-95nkw-yy29a-wkhy5 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/471b0e85-e5b2-437c-adad-b83b1620ea62/hi+res+sun.jpg Events - Open Solar Observations at Bluff Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/about daily 0.75 2023-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1510603409803-MMAF7KBWGMWQM0CJD3P9/MilkyWay10-barn-bizcard.jpg About https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/smokey-jack-observatory daily 0.75 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/14845e8b-fb36-47b1-82a2-b2c4f98b6561/Daytime+SJO+-+PLEASE+ATTRIBUTE+TO+Andrew+Miller.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory - The Smokey Jack Observatory (SJO), located in The Bluff Park at the west end of Main Street across from Cliff Lanes in Westcliffe, For directions using Google Maps, click here. The SJO was formally dedicated on the night of Friday, November 13, 2015, with over 100 people attending. It houses one of the most powerful telescopes in Colorado, attracting star lovers from around the world! There are no operating hours for the SJO and it is only open when we have public events as found here. Otherwise, anyone is welcome to visit the SJO to see it in person but it will not be open to go inside. The observatory is named in honor of Suzanne B. Jack, known to all as Smokey Jack, the first Dark Skies President. Smokey and Bill Jack owned and operated the Texas Creek Ranch. Smokey loved the beautiful night skies of the Wet Mountain Valley, and she wanted others to be able to admire the Milky Way. In 1998 Smokey Jack organized a small group of concerned citizens to "...prevent light pollution through education." Under Smokey's able leadership, replacing one light at a time, Dark Skies had solicited enough donations to change all 45 streetlights in the Town of Westcliffe to dark sky friendly fixtures by August of 2001. Smokey Jack died of cancer in 2004 at the age of 58, but left behind a legacy of education about light pollution that continues to spread, protecting our pristine dark skies for future generations.It's doubtful that the beautiful starry night sky as seen from the Wet Mountain Valley would have survived without Smokey's efforts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523482986863-55Q0H5NDUAFUO594JN2U/SJO_Smokey-1.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory - The SJO is named in honor of Suzanne B. Jack (1946-2004), known to all as Smokey Jack, the founder and first Dark Skies’ President. Smokey loved the beautiful night skies of the Wet Mountain Valley, and she wanted others to be able to admire the Milky Way. Although no longer with us, she left behind a legacy of education about light pollution that continues to spread, protecting our pristine dark skies for future generations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132318552-FAT7DUVA1U6IO1XCVJ8U/2+observatory_05-31.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory After pouring the concrete slab earlier, the north and south walls go up by May 29, 2015. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132318782-B2JXUF1M943YO2QO3A4K/2+observatory_06-04.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory East and west walls are erected by June 4 along with the rails for the roll-off roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132323644-1TR0VK073WJTO0DD4TPN/4+observatory_06-07.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory The old barn wood siding is first applied to the north wall on June 7, 2015. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132370210-A5L4HKZDBN3ZVAWGE5O3/observatory_09-27.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory The observatory is operational for the lunar eclipse viewing party on September 27, 2015. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132326632-E862PC1KPYDEWIBWJT2E/5+observ_dedication_11-13.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory The observatory was formally dedicated on the night of Friday, November 13, 2015, with over 100 people attending. A short star party followed under near perfect skies except for sub-freezing temps.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1511132330282-VU01ZX2BDQPHJES4E8MO/6+SJO_15-11_Dedication.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory The SJO dedication story in the Wet Mountain Tribune in the November 19, 2015 edition. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/donate daily 0.75 2022-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1520809609729-2HBOD6H0M5AJS9609PP7/IMG_1878.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1520807369660-FH4JYXU9HEIY58D1TW5S/2018-03_DS_Donates-Books.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1520808058568-GPYNPIT0LO1VW1DQKIDX/observatory_09-27.jpg Donate https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/reserve-sjo daily 0.75 2026-01-19 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-01-05 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/educate-1 daily 0.75 2018-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523905368272-IUT5N9U1U2GGMW5WHMR1/2018-03_DS_Donates-Books.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523905496709-UB9K2KQJ6Y6QH3U04H7R/1+%282%29.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523909214627-KNQXY8DT2JXMN92DFOSC/lightpollution_infogrph_final2.jpg Educate https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/experience-1 daily 0.75 2018-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523907757672-BR97EVDZDW5WK1CGRMM9/observatory_09-27.jpg Experience Smokey Jack Observatory https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/preserve-1 daily 0.75 2023-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523557148960-LDQYBTSN2R1Z2GYYCYMI/light_pollution.png Preserve https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523558148435-TASP1JUXOW3PMY2QEVGC/07courthouse+after.jpg Preserve https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1523908437489-78FZZEWNS7QUM9Q0RS4M/ida-fsa-seal-nodate.jpg Preserve How to help reduce light pollution in three steps, following recommendations from the AAS. Copyright American Institute of Physics https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/press daily 0.75 2020-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1605398729917-P2GVH7JMO1MCLL8UZIRY/SJO+Expansion.jpg Press At the end of last year, Ed Lyons exca - Trib Photo by Jordan Hedberg vated und leveled the new platform. In the spring of this year. Carl Cardinas began build ing the benches and handrail. Throughout the summer, Carl installed the handrail, Brad Hough installed electrical conduit and wiring. and hard labor from Dark Skies members (who were let out under strict supervision!) installed the benches and spread 7.5 tons of dirt and 15 tons of gravel from Seifert https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/smokey-jack-observatory-brings-boom-in-tourism-to-custer-county daily 0.75 2019-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1536619273336-1PEYG1R012OYREKQA03I/Smokey+Jack+Observatory.jpg Smokey Jack Observatory Brings Boom in Tourism to Custer County https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/resources daily 0.75 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1598128247341-2AL9R5DGNMNIKZ6NQ9R9/PQ-All-Signs-Banner-150px.jpg Stargazing, Lodging, & Other Resrouces As part of the Dark Skies’ Educational Outreach program, we are excited to offer Planet Quest, A Pathway to Planetary Discovery. This portable solar system scale model includes ten stations that can be set up to enable the explorers to experience the vastness of our Solar System and discover interesting facts about the Sun and the planets. The model is designed to be set up outside and fits nicely around the perimeter of a football field or in a park or along a trail. The model is 808 feet long but can be set up on a smaller space, if desired. Book this impressive model for your event or school project. For more details: tinyurl.com/planet-quest-info and to take a video tour: tinyurl.com/planet-quest-tour https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/findingcalm daily 0.75 2019-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1550344545179-2T8NPP0IBRMHLUVLK2D2/blackcanyonstars_GregOwens.jpg Your Guide to Finding Calm in Colorado Photo by Greg Owens https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/newdarkskiesgroup daily 0.75 2019-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1550878638178-Q66SFKLOVLHK2WVRKM47/Westcliffe_night_sim_72dpi.png New Page A simulated nighttime view of the Milky Way rising over the town of Westcliffe, Colorado. Illustration courtesy of Ed Stewart. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/bortle-scale-description daily 0.75 2019-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1566663004369-LI0105PXAER2YJ546EA2/SKY+QUALITY+READINGS+08-23-19.jpg Bortle Scale Description https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/strategic-donation-plan daily 0.75 2019-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1567620417097-O0YUFULQ0ZHYJMCA43QH/2018+Spirit+Campaign.jpg Strategic Donation Plan In spite of not having a specific campaign project or goal, Dark Skies has averaged about $10,000 annually since 2015. Only one email notice and one newspaper advertisement were used. This demonstrates the value of a long-term approach to soliciting donations. The STEM scholarship campaign was new for this year. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/working-draft-sangre-star-festival-2020 daily 0.75 2019-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1557096074013-SDV304HEOYOAB4EL9R8K/SSF+Poster+-+Website.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 Stay tuned for more info on pre-sale tickets, detailed schedule, and other exciting updates! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1561162718848-UZ5W660XVWZM1QN3598S/harun.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1573503634420-G0XBIXL9OLSG8W6U88QB/Dr-Ulyana-Nadia-Horodyskyj-400x450.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1561425940572-ZSTZ5XJQ54T8BOQCC6BH/chumack+2.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1561425911996-2JMT5T44TEISVWO4LBJ8/bogard+2.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1561756076705-CXJ4UT7ITSU832TTFOCP/about-slide-03.jpg Working Draft: Sangre Star Festival 2020 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/stem daily 0.75 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1576890677146-DFI16RS8PM1GQ8NQY9F7/stem+1.jpeg Sam Frostman STEM Scholarship Fund https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/planetwalk daily 0.75 2023-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/7b0a0f51-b30a-47ae-9f23-c9568498b250/Logo+-No+Background+WEB.png Planet Walk - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/39f554d2-4466-4435-89f4-00d06b1d06d5/PXL_20211129_221139202.jpg Planet Walk Planet Walk uses interpretive signs to enable you as the interplanetary explorer to experience just how small the planets are compared to the vast empty space between the planets. When you arrive at the Welcome Station you will be greeted with information on how to download and utilize the interactive audio guided app from X-Trails. This app will help direct you thru your self guided journey through our solar system while providing fun and valuable information about each planet at their respective stations as you travel east down Main St. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/a34c33c6-24c9-494e-b677-0a2e41b0f280/Contributors.jpg Planet Walk - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/volunteer daily 0.75 2024-03-20 https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/public-event-updateschangescancellations daily 0.75 2025-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/1625607506385-WQJNK7YPDG508HW5HF5M/SJO-+PLEASE+ATTRIBUTE+TO++Debbie+Adams.jpg Public Event Updates/Changes/Cancellations https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/winwinforthestars daily 0.75 2025-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/760139bc-780e-46f3-80a9-f7f87fe03df3/hotel-lights-adjusted_orig.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement - Make it stand out The images above illustrate the impact of light pollution on the night sky. The left image, taken with light-polluting fixtures, obscuring the stars and celestial objects, significantly reducing the visibility of the night sky. The brightness from these fixtures spills over into unwanted areas, detracting from the natural darkness of the environment. In contrast, the right image depicts a night scene illuminated by dark sky friendly light fixtures. These fixtures are designed to minimize light trespass and reduce glare. As a result, the night sky appears clearer, with more stars visible. The lighting is directed downward, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose without contributing to overall sky brightness. This preserves the natural beauty of the night sky while providing necessary illumination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/371f8787-58a9-464b-b8cc-4240bc93db5d/mont-mag-lp-v-3.png Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/b7a3d144-c5c6-47b9-a289-d37d45bcf5de/Principles%2Bof%2Blight%2BDark%2BSkies%2B-%2BShielding.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement Shielding Point lights down and check lighting after dark to ensure the light is not going into the sky or onto neighboring property. The streetlight to the far left has an example of an unshielded light fixture that clearly produces light pollution. To the right is a “full cut-off” or “fully shielded” light fixture. Fully shielded fixtures make the use of light more efficient by directing light where it is needed. These fixtures eliminate glare, provide better visibility and the efficient use of light saves money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/7e7ba773-a68b-45bd-843a-8e3b61d89b89/Principles%2Bof%2Blight%2BDark%2BSkies%2B-%2BColor.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement Color Choose amber colored or soft-white lights. White light tends to scatter more in the air and obscure our view of the stars, while amber or red light scatters less. It's best to avoid blue or white light at night since they can be harsh and cause glare. Additionally, white and blue light can have adverse effects on wildlife, plants, and human health. Lighting manufacturers use temperature in Kelvin (K) to describe the color of light. The higher the color temperature, the more blue light the product contains. It's best to choose values no higher than 3000K (soft white), and lower numbers are even better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/4ecb7c4f-3b7f-4177-9485-0b795d5cf7a1/Principles%2Bof%2Blight%2BDark%2BSkies%2B-%2BIntensity.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement Intensity Only use the amount of light you need for the task, and no more. Lumens are used to measure the amount of light a source emits. Typically, 800 lumens per fixture is sufficient for most residential purposes. Avoid over-illuminating an area, as it can be wasteful and impair visibility by forcing your eyes to adjust to bright conditions. To see clearly, your eyes need smooth transitions in light levels, so brighter lights aren't always better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/fcdd404d-c4c5-40bd-8a13-d2e962ea1498/Principles%2Bof%2Blight%2BDark%2BSkies%2B-%2BTiming.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement Timing If you are not using a light, turn it off or put it on a timer to turn off automatically. Make sure that the light has a good purpose for being left on, and for existing in the first place. If you are worried about security, use a motion sensor light or infrared camera to monitor an area instead of leaving a light on all night. Having a light on all the time may simply draw unwanted attention and make it easier for thieves to identify targets of value, especially in an otherwise dark area. Numerous studies find that turning lights off after 11pm or midnight reduces crime and accidents but leaving lights on can increase crime in some situations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a09e9e4fe54ef52c477fcf1/e3f37330-a8f4-4bf7-884c-4c9f1de06248/lighting_fixtures.jpg Win-Win for the Stars: Dark Skies Lighting Reimbursement - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.