When you glance up at Boulder’s night sky, you’re not just seeing stars and constellations—you’re tapping into a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and ancient tales. Here at AstroTours.org, we …

When you glance up a…

When you glance up at Boulder’s night sky, you’re not just seeing stars and constellations—you’re tapping into a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and ancient tales. Here at AstroTours.org, we believe that the stories behind the stars are the gateway to making astronomy both memorable and endlessly captivating. If you’ve ever gazed at Orion and wondered how he became the famed celestial hunter, or peered at the waxing moon and sensed an untold story, this article is for you. Constellations as Cosmic Storytellers 1. The Majesty of Orion One of the most recognizable constella…

Among the highlights of spring’s celestial displays, the Eta Aquarids stand out as a meteor shower both prolific and delightfully accessible — even if you’re stargazing from the Northern Hemisph…

Among the highlights…

Among the highlights of spring’s celestial displays, the Eta Aquarids stand out as a meteor shower both prolific and delightfully accessible — even if you’re stargazing from the Northern Hemisphere. Produced by dust and debris from Halley’s Comet, the Eta Aquarids can light up the skies with swift, bright “shooting stars.” When and Where to Look Active Window: April 19 – May 28 Peak: Night of May 6 to dawn on May 7 Radiant: Constellation Aquarius Estimated Rate: Up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere and up to 30 per hour in the Northern Hemisphere This ye…

Every April, the night sky comes alive with the Lyrids Meteor Shower, an annual display that delights both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers alike. Produced by debris from Comet C/1861 G1 (Th…

Every April, the nig…

Every April, the night sky comes alive with the Lyrids Meteor Shower, an annual display that delights both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers alike. Produced by debris from Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), the Lyrids are one of spring’s highlights, often surprising observers with bright, fast “shooting stars.” In 2025, their peak will occur on the night of April 22 into the early morning of April 23, offering a dazzling show of about 20 meteors per hour under favorable conditions. When and Where to Look The Lyrids run from April 16 to 25 each year, but the best time to catch t…

When you step outside on a crisp winter evening in Boulder, you’re greeted by a sky teeming with ancient myths and stories. One of the most compelling scenes unfolds in the southeast, where Orion ch…

When you step outsid…

When you step outside on a crisp winter evening in Boulder, you’re greeted by a sky teeming with ancient myths and stories. One of the most compelling scenes unfolds in the southeast, where Orion chases the Seven Sisters (Pleiades), with Sirius shining brightly nearby. It’s a celestial love triangle — or rather, a star-studded drama — that has fascinated skywatchers for centuries. A Tale of Pursuit: Orion and the Seven Sisters Orion, the mighty hunter, is among the most recognizable constellations in the winter sky. Its three-star “belt” points toward a faint cluster of s…

Light pollution doesn’t just rob us of starry skies — it disrupts wildlife, wastes energy, and even harms human health. Yet as bleak as this might sound, the solution is surprisingly straightforwa…

Light pollution does…

Light pollution doesn’t just rob us of starry skies — it disrupts wildlife, wastes energy, and even harms human health. Yet as bleak as this might sound, the solution is surprisingly straightforward: We can all take small steps to curb excessive lighting and restore the night sky to its natural brilliance. Here in Colorado, communities, businesses, and individuals are increasingly joining forces to tackle light pollution and safeguard our stunning celestial views. A Growing Problem — But One We Can Fix A recent Washington Post editorial highlights a stark reality: Global light po…

In my recent articles on Mars and Jupiter, we explored two planets that capture the imagination for their unique features and roles in human history. Now, let’s turn our attention to Saturn—the ce…

In my recent article…

In my recent articles on Mars and Jupiter, we explored two planets that capture the imagination for their unique features and roles in human history. Now, let’s turn our attention to Saturn—the celestial showstopper with its iconic rings, fascinating moons, and rich mythology. Over the next few weeks, I’ll continue spotlighting the planets in our night sky, so stay tuned! Saturn’s Rings: Beauty on Borrowed Time Saturn’s rings are among the most iconic features in the solar system, but their days are numbered. These icy marvels, composed of particles ranging from the size …

When days grow shorter and the Rocky Mountains don a fresh coat of snow, Boulder’s winter sky truly shines. Many people shy away from stargazing in the cold, but winter nights bring some of the clea…

When days grow short…

When days grow shorter and the Rocky Mountains don a fresh coat of snow, Boulder’s winter sky truly shines. Many people shy away from stargazing in the cold, but winter nights bring some of the clearest, brightest views of the cosmos — and with the sun setting so early you don’t have to stay up until midnight to enjoy them! So, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and let’s explore why winter might just be the best stargazing season of the year. 1. Earlier Nights, Easier Evenings One obvious perk of winter astronomy is that darkness falls sooner. While summer stargazers often have to wait u…