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Night Sky at the Nature Center

May 29 @ 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Join SJMA for an evening of night sky wonder! Luann Andrew, an avid and passionate amateur astronomer, is hosting a series of night sky events at the Nature Center this year. She has been a Park Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park for the last 14 years where she has enjoyed working as a night sky ranger sharing dark skies with a myriad of visitors. Hearing people say “OH WOW! “ as they discover their Cosmos makes her truly happy!

Exactly what we will do each evening depends entirely on what the ever-changing night sky offers us that particular night. There will be a visual telescope and a deep sky “smart” telescope. If we have a moon, we will explore that fascinating little satellite of Earth along with other targets we can see that evening. We will have a great time exploring the night sky together!

  • We will take a tour of the evening sky with a green laser pointer star hopping from one constellation to the next.
  • If we have clear dark skies, we will peer as deep into the universe as we can see that night.
  • We will discuss the importance of DARK SKIES to our natural environment.
  • We will think about what ancient cultures right here on this land saw in the cosmos.

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm; Please arrive at 8:30 pm.  Kindly be on time.

Where: Meet in the parking lot of  Durango Nature Center, 63 County Road 310, Durango, CO. Please back your car into its parking spot so lights will not blind telescope users later.

What to Bring:

  • Red light or headlamp – No white lights, please. White lights ruin our night vision.
  • Chair
  • Binoculars
  • Warm clothes, shoes, hats, gloves and socks.
  • Water

Details:

  • Ages 6 or older
  • There is a Porta John, but no water, and no overhead white safety lights.
  • Sorry, but DO NOT BRING DOGS!

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 15 attendees. If you sign up but then need to cancel, please send a message to info@sjma.org to make sure we can open your spot up to others.

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