Stargazing in Colorado

True astronomical darkness runs from 2:02 AM to 11:35 AM (9.5 hours) at Colorado's central latitude — this is the real window when the sky is darkest.

Cloud cover decides whether you can see anything at all, so check a local forecast before you go. In Colorado, skies are usually clearest after a cold front passes, and higher, drier sites tend to beat valleys and coasts. Hourly cloud outlook →

The Moon is Waning Crescent at 9% illumination. Moonlight shouldn't significantly interfere with deep-sky observing tonight. Full Moon details →

• Jupiter — visible in Leo, toward the East (up to 32° altitude).
• Saturn — visible in Cetus, toward the South (up to 53° altitude).
• Mars — visible in Cancer, toward the East-Southeast (up to 46° altitude).

Draconids is active tonight. A minor, unpredictable shower best watched right after nightfall, unlike most showers which peak before dawn. Full calendar →

Next visible pass: Invalid Date. Live ISS tracker →

Current planetary Kp is 2.7; Colorado's central latitude needs roughly Kp 9.0 for aurora to become visible. Aurora is unlikely from most of the state tonight at current activity levels. Full Aurora forecast →

Planetary Kp is 2.7 right now. Full space weather conditions →

Darkness and Moon conditions tonight favor deep-sky and Milky Way viewing, assuming clear skies and distance from city lights. This doesn't account for light pollution at your specific spot — a real light-pollution measurement isn't currently available for this location, so use distance from city lights as a practical guide instead. Check Milky Way visibility →

Moonlight is low tonight, which favours the Milky Way and fainter deep-sky objects. 3 planets are realistically observable. Pick a dark site away from city lights and confirm the local cloud forecast before you go.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are International Dark Sky Parks, as is Mesa Verde National Park. Westcliffe and Silver Cliff in the Wet Mountain Valley are a certified International Dark Sky Community.

• Great Sand Dunes National Park — International Dark Sky Park in the San Luis Valley.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — International Dark Sky Park on the Western Slope.
• Westcliffe & Silver Cliff — International Dark Sky Community in the Wet Mountain Valley.
• Mesa Verde National Park — International Dark Sky Park in southwest Colorado.

The Front Range urban corridor (bright), the eastern plains (dark with wide horizons, frequent wind), the Rocky Mountain high country, the San Luis Valley and the Western Slope.

Denver's glow dominates the northern Front Range and is visible from much of the eastern plains. Mountain ski towns add local glow. The San Luis Valley and southwest corner are among the darkest regions.

Visible from dark sites roughly April through October; high elevation improves contrast noticeably.

The Perseids in August are popular, though summer afternoon storms can linger. Winter showers like the Geminids need cold-weather gear at elevation.

Late summer and autumn often bring the most stable clear nights. Spring is windy, and July-August afternoon thunderstorms can carry into the evening.

Thin, dry air helps planetary views, though mountain winds can cause turbulence -- valleys and plains often give steadier views.

Aurora is uncommon but possible in Colorado during strong geomagnetic storms. Northern Colorado and the eastern plains with a clear northern horizon give the best chance.

Sand dunes, peaks and canyons give varied foregrounds. Elevation reduces atmospheric haze.

Major meteor showers (Quadrantids, Lyrids, Perseids, Geminids), Milky Way core season and any eclipses apply here as they do nationally -- dates shift each year, so check the current calendar.

Altitude sickness and cold are real even in summer above 10,000 feet. Afternoon storms clear late -- check the forecast before driving up.