Take in night sky events

There are many opportunities for area residents to get away from light-filled neighborhoods and view the universe.

Fort Collins, for example, began offering night programs at various natural areas last year.

"All of them have met or exceeded the registration," said Soapstone Prairie coordinator Pam Smith. "We actually turned down people."

Deborah Price coordinates programs at Bobcat Ridge and began night programs in 2007. She's ecstatic that they have been so popular. "The programs are designed to be family friendly," she said. "Sometimes we have only adults there, but if kids are present I engage them in activities and demonstrations."

The schedule for this year will be included in the program guide "Tracks and Trails." Times are gauged by sunset and moonrise, so will vary throughout the spring and summer. Following are some scheduled programs at natural areas.

Bobcat Ridge:

• Astronomy programs with a different topic each month, followed by viewing the sky with telescopes. Dates: second Thursday, March through October. Times vary.
• Moon Magic program and hike: 25th of the month, April through October.

Soapstone Prairie:

• Full Moon at Soapstone: May 28, June 26, July 24, Sept. 24
• Perseid Meteor Shower: Aug. 13

Coyote Ridge:

• Walk When the Moon is Full: Aug. 24 and Sept. 23
• Check web site for details for all city night programs: www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Reservations required. Call 416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.

The Northern Colorado Astronomical Society sets up telescopes at Bobcat Ridge for people to see the night sky in detail and holds various events of its own. Get further information at www.ncastro.org.