From the Milky Way to shooting stars, ‘experience awe’ while stargazing in Summit County

Dennis Mammana: Summer Desert Nights Reveal Milky Way’s Hidden Celestial Majesty

Folks think I’ve lost my mind when I suggest the best time of year to visit me for stargazing here in the Southern California desert is during late July and early August. Yes, the days are scorchingly hot. It’s the desert. It’s summertime. I get it. But to be honest, I rarely go outside when the sun is in the sky. Neither does anyone else without a nearby swimming pool and a functioning brain. No, most of us desert rats know to wait until sundow…

From the Milky Way to shooting stars, ‘experience awe’ while stargazing in Summit County

Every year, thousands of people visit Summit County to experience all the beauty that the Colorado Rocky Mountains have to offer, from rocky ridgelines to high-Alpine lakes, blooming wildflowers and vibrant wildlife. Yet, one of the most dazzling sights to be encountered in Summit County is often overlooked because it is only visible at night, when weary heads are resting. The night sky — with the Milky Way, constellations and the potential for …