Charles Messier was a French astronomer who lived from 1730 to 1817. Working in Paris during the late 1700s, Messier was passionate about discovering comets. In an era when comet discoveries brought great scientific prestige, he spent countless nights scanning the skies with a 100 mm refracting telescope.… Continue reading.
Members of the Denver Astronomical Society (DAS) were proud to participate in the 63rd annual Denver Metro Regional Science & Engineering Fair (DMRSEF) on February 20, 2026, held on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.
The Denver Metro Regional Science & Engineering Fair is one of Colorado’s largest and longest-running STEM competitions.… Continue reading.
The upcoming total eclipse of the full Worm Moon on March 3, 2026, presents a remarkable opportunity for Denver skywatchers to observe this celestial event. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the timing, phases, scientific background, and observing tips.
What Causes Lunar Eclipses and What’s a Blood Moon?… Continue reading.
The Denver Astronomical Society wouldn’t be the strong, vibrant organization it is without its members. Some of you are on the front lines—hosting star parties, leading outreach events, or mentoring new observers. Others work quietly behind the scenes, keeping committees, programs, and operations running smoothly.… Continue reading.
Unfortunately, this weekend’s Denver Astronomical Society Open House, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been canceled due to weather.
The forecast is calling for bitterly cold temperatures along with snow Friday night into Saturday, creating conditions that aren’t safe or comfortable for our volunteers or visitors.… Continue reading.
If you’re looking for a truly unique astronomy experience, Green Bank Star Quest XXI deserves a spot on your observing calendar. Held July 15–18, 2026, this four-day event is the largest star party in the nation that combines both optical and radio astronomy, bringing amateur astronomers together at one of the most iconic astronomy sites in the world.… Continue reading.
The New Year begins with the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, one of January’s most reliable annual meteor displays. While the Quadrantids are capable of producing impressive numbers of meteors, this year’s Full Moon will significantly affect viewing conditions. Even so, patient observers may still catch a few bright meteors — and learn a bit of astronomy history along the way.… Continue reading.
If you watch only one meteor shower all year, make it the Geminids. This shower is predicted to be the strongest of 2025, producing plenty of bright, colorful meteors. With the Moon conveniently out of the way during peak nights, conditions will be near perfect.… Continue reading.
The Leonids are one of the most famous meteor showers in history, known for producing incredible storms in the past. While 2025 won’t bring one of those once-in-a-lifetime storms, the shower still promises a fine show for skywatchers, especially with little interference from moonlight this year.… Continue reading.
On the evening of October 21, 2025, skywatchers are in for a rare celestial treat: not one but two comets—C/2025 R2 (SWAN) and C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)—will be bright enough to spot with the naked eye. To make the night even more special, it also falls on the new moon, meaning the sky will be as dark as it gets, free of interfering moonlight.… Continue reading.