AGES: All Ages 
TIME: 8:30 to 11 p.m. 
TICKETS: Free Event! No tickets required or registration required! 

WHAT TO BRING: Folks are encouraged to bring a headlamp with a red light setting, a chair, and warm layers as it tends to get chilly at night, even in the summer.

OWN A TELESCOPE? Dust it off and bring it to this event. Relive the joy of sharing the celestial canopy with others.  There's just something about being a part of a community under the stars, experiencing the cosmos together.  

Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Dillon Amphitheater during a special Stargazing and Dark Sky Experience on the shores of the Dillon Reservoir. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Buffalo Mountain, Peak One and the Tenmile and Gore Ranges, one of Summit County's most spectacular nighttime vistas. This free community event invites residents and visitors alike to explore the universe while learning why protecting our natural night skies matters.

Learn Why Dark Skies Matter

The evening begins at 8:30 p.m. with three engaging presentations from nationally recognized experts who will explore the growing impacts of artificial light at night and the importance of preserving dark skies for people, wildlife, and future generations.

Featured Speakers:

• Michael Rymer
  DarkSky International Regional Certification Manager
  Protecting the Night
  Learn about dark sky conservation efforts and why communities around the world are working to reduce light pollution.

• Richard O'Brian
  DarkSky Colorado Trustee
  Light Pollution and the Birds and the Bees
  Discover how artificial light affects migratory birds, pollinators, and other wildlife that depend on natural darkness.

• Dr. David McCarty
  Chief Medical Officer, Rebis Health
  Artificial Light at Night: Your Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders
  Explore how excessive nighttime lighting impacts human health, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Each presentation will last approximately 20 minutes.

Explore the Universe Through Advanced Telescopes

Beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m., attendees can move throughout the amphitheater to participate in an immersive stargazing experience featuring four professional telescope operator astronomers.

Each astronomer will guide visitors through observations of carefully selected celestial objects, including:

• Galaxies
• Star clusters
• Nebulae
• The Moon
• Visible planets

Beyond simply viewing through the telescope, each astronomer will provide one-on-one assistance at the eyepiece, helping participants learn how to observe celestial objects, identify important features, and understand the fascinating science behind what they're seeing. Telescope operators will manage all equipment setup, calibration, alignment, and tracking to ensure exceptional viewing throughout the evening.

Community members are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and join fellow astronomy enthusiasts in sharing the wonders of the night sky.

Guided Constellation Tours

Throughout the evening, two experienced constellation tour guides will lead a series of staggered small-group sky tours.

These approximately 20-minute guided experiences will explore:

• Summer constellations and their mythology
• The stars that form the famous Summer Triangle
• Bright stars visible throughout the season
• Current meteor shower activity
• Practical ways everyone can help protect our dark skies

Each tour is limited to 15 participants, providing an intimate and interactive experience for attendees of all ages.

Young Stargazers Telescope Giveaway

Children ages 12 and under will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win their very own "First Telescope," generously provided by AstroMark.

The drawing will take place immediately following the speaker presentations and before the open stargazing activities begin.

Join Your Community Under the Stars

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a curious beginner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a clear mountain night, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn from experts, and experience the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe above Dillon.

Bring a chair, dress warmly, and prepare for an unforgettable evening beneath some of Colorado's most spectacular dark skies.