Colorado’s mountain winters offer stunning views, especially at night. Under a full moon, the snow-covered landscape transforms into a dreamlike world, casting beautiful shadows and revealing majestic peaks in the distance. On those dark, moonless nights, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Ron Hranac, a former president of the Denver Astronomical Society, emphasizes the importance of escaping city lights. Many people living in urban areas have never seen the Milky Way, and he finds it disheartening. “They’re missing out on so much,” he says. “If you can find a dark spot, the stars can be breathtaking.”
Winter nights are perfect for stargazing. This December, the brightest supermoon of 2025 will occur on the night of December 4-5. Mark your calendar! Plus, the Geminids meteor shower, one of the most reliable shows in the sky, peaks on December 13-14. According to NASA, it’s a great time to catch shooting stars.
Looking ahead, Colorado will experience a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, visible from 4:04 a.m. to 5:02 a.m. Just before the sun rises at 6:29 a.m., the moon will put on a show in the western sky.
If you’re up for an adventure, consider moonlight skiing or snowshoeing. Boreas Pass near Breckenridge and Vail Pass are two great spots. The paths are wide enough for an easy trek in low light. Once your eyes adjust, you might be stunned by how much you can see.
While winter offers clear skies, the cold air can occasionally hinder visibility due to atmospheric instability. Hranac notes, “High altitude can disrupt air stability, especially with the jet stream.” But with patience, you might still catch Saturn shining brightly in the southeast this winter. Though it looks like a star to the naked eye, telescopes will reveal its stunning rings.
During winter, the Orion constellation dominates the southern sky. Named after a mythological hunter, Orion’s belt features three stars in a line. Just below the belt is Orion’s sword, home to the Orion Nebula, where new stars are born. “From a dark location, it appears as a fuzzy spot,” Hranac explains. “Use binoculars, and the detail starts to emerge.” It’s a reminder of the wonders happening in our universe.
So next time you find yourself in Colorado, take a moment to gaze upward. The Milky Way, filled with countless stars, is a sight you won’t forget. “It’s like a fuzzy cloud stretching across the sky,” Hranac says. “With binoculars, you’ll be amazed at the view.”
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stargazing, astronomy, winter, super moon, lunar eclipse, milky way
