Want to know more about the stars, planets, and galaxies? Interested in checking out some sunspots? Well, Gilpin AstroDay is your chance to do all that and more on August 10, 2024, at the Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive. Friends of Gilpin County Community Center and the Parks & Recreation Department are offering an afternoon and evening of astronomy-related events. “We’re really excited about working with Friends to have this happen at the Center,” said Parks & Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm. “The team is bringing some very cool activities for you to enjoy.”

The event includes “What’s Up Tonight” shows at the Center in a traveling inflatable dome operated by the University of Colorado’s Fiske Planetarium. Shows start at 1 p.m. and will run every 30 minutes until around 4 p.m. The presentations in the dome are first come, first-serve (the dome seats up to 25) and are a great way to learn more about the night sky. Please note: they’re most appropriate for those aged 5 and up. (The dome gets dark and that sometimes frightens the littlest kiddos.)

Fiske is also bringing a special telescope so people can safely check out the Sun. This year it’s at its most active in the 11-year solar cycle, so viewers may be able to catch a glimpse of sunspots, according to Friends President Carolyn Collins Petersen.

“We hope there’ll be some solar activity that people can see through the solar scope,” she said. “In addition to the solar viewing and dome shows, we’ve also arranged a series of short talks about the latest space and astronomy news. I know a lot of people up here are interested in stars and planets, so those talks are informal ways to learn more. They’ll be starting around 1:30 p.m. and people can come in and enjoy them while walking to get into the dome or checking out the Sun through the solar scope. We also welcome any amateur astronomers or astrophotographers to attend and share their hobby with others.”

Later that night, Petersen will give a talk at 8 p.m. at Reverend Ridge Amphitheater in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in cooperation with the Park. That will be followed by stargazing until about 10:30 or 11 at Panorama Point (WEATHER permitting). Attendees are welcome to bring binoculars or a telescope to the evening event (although there’s no power at Panorama Point). Those planning to attend the star party should also wear warm clothes and bring a red flashlight to aid in getting around in the dark.

The best part of this: it’s all FREE and open to everyone! Friends is sponsoring the event thanks to a generous grant from the Alan Green Memorial Foundation.

The Friends of Gilpin County Community Center (FGCCC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and Colorado Charitable Corporation that provides Gilpin County Parks & Recreation department members with research and community feedback, and raise money for programs, equipment, and the Heart of the Community charitable fund. Visit our Website at Gilpin CommunityCenter.org for more information about our group and activities.