Best Nights for Stargazing Right Now
Live as of Monday, September 14 — this page regenerates from current data every time it loads, not a dated post.
Milky Way core season
Visible in the evening after dusk, setting a few hours later. From Colorado's latitude, the bright galactic core is only above the horizon during dark hours roughly February through October — winter nights won't show it no matter how dark or moonless the sky is.
Next dark-sky window
September 14–September 16 — moon phase and core season both line up during this stretch. Good spots to point a wide-angle lens: Loveland Pass or Pawnee National Grassland, anywhere well away from Front Range light pollution.
Upcoming meteor showers
- Orionids peaks October 21 (36 days away) — up to ~20/hr under ideal skies. A bright moon that night will wash out all but the brightest meteors.
- Southern Taurids peaks November 5 (51 days away) — up to ~5/hr under ideal skies. Some moonlight that night, but fainter meteors may still show.
- Northern Taurids peaks November 12 (58 days away) — up to ~5/hr under ideal skies. Dark skies that night — good conditions to actually see it.
See the full 7-day moon forecast and sunset/sunrise odds on the Planning Your Shot page.