Rocky Mountain Star Stare 2024 activities

Thursday, May 30, 2024

The Rocky Mountain Star Stare (RMSS), an annual premiere star party sponsored by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, gathers over 300 amateur and professional astronomers each summer. Held at "Starry Meadows" near Gardner, CO, the event features pristine dark-sky observing, expert speakers, and family-friendly activities.

The Rocky Mountain Star Stare (RMSS) is an annual star party organized by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society. Held each summer for the past 30 years, RMSS has become one of the nation’s top star parties. Located on 35 acres at “Starry Meadows,” just over two hours southwest of Colorado Springs near Gardner, CO, the event sits between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges at an altitude of 7,600 feet. RMSS attracts over 300 amateur and professional astronomers, along with their families and friends.

RMSS, the star party of the Rocky Mountains

RMSS provides a remarkable experience for people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts, offering an educational and astronomical outdoor activity in Colorado's pristine environment. Participants can enjoy national-level speakers, outdoor activities, children's events, camping with friends, and the clear, dark skies of Colorado. Check out our photo gallery from last year’s event.

RMSS daily schedule

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM*, Generators can be on.
7:00 PM – 11:00 AM*, Generators must be off.
Sunset – Sunrise, Red lights ONLY

Wednesday, June 5th

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM*, Registration & Merchandise Sales
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, RMSS Orientation and Q&A
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Meet & Greet with RMSS Directors
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Kids Games/Activities with CSASTRO Director of Education

Thursday, June 6th

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM*, Registration & Merchandise Sales
10:00 AM – 12:00PM, Kids Activity – Solar Observing and Imaging
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Presentation: Dustin Dickens – Mercury Meteorites on Earth?
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Presentation: Don Parkes – Electronically Assisted Astronomy
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Kids Games/Activities with CSASTRO Director of Education
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Meet & Greet with RMSS Directors
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM, RMSS Opening Remarks
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Presentation: Barry & Carol Young – Exploring the Alaskan Aurora in Winter

Friday, June 7th

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM*, Registration & Merchandise Sales
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Kids Activity: Making and Using Sundials
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, ATM Walkabout
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, Kids Activity: UFOs and Bigfoot: Is there life on other planets?
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Swap Meet
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Tom Zeph – Build an All-Sky Camera
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Presentation: Daniel Champion – Near Real-time Computational Astrophotography
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Presentation: Rick Angell & Bruce Bookout – Milky Way Stories
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Kids Astronomy with CSASTRO Outreach

Saturday, June 8th

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM*, Registration & Merchandise Sales
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Kids Activity, Cool Science
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Jim West Memorial Youth Presentation, Emmeline Huston: Jupiter
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Paper Rockets
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Kids Door & Raffle Prize Drawings
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, Award & Scholarship Presentations, Door & Raffle Prize Drawings
7:30 PM – 7:45 PM, RMSS Farewell & Closing Remarks with RMSS Directors
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Kids Astronomy with CSASTRO Outreach

Sunday, June 9th

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, RMSS 2024 Review
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Site Cleanup
12:00 PM – Depart

RMSS activities

Held on a 35-acre, extreme dark-sky location called "Starry Meadows," RMSS is about two hours southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at the Rocky Mountain Star Stare:

Pristine Dark-Sky Observing: Marvel at the truly dark night sky, with darkness levels as deep as 21.95 on the 22-point magnitudes per square arcsecond scale.
National-Level Scientific Speakers: Hear from experts across the entire spectrum of astronomy, including professional scientists and talented amateurs.
Jim West Memorial Youth in Science Lecture: This annual lecture honors Jim West, the former president of CSASTRO, who was passionate about sharing the beauty of the night sky with the community, especially young people. This lecture celebrates his commitment to outreach and his wonderful spirit.
ATM Walkabout: Amateur astronomers showcase their telescope-making abilities and innovative ideas. More information about the ATM Walkabout is available on our website.
Kids Activities and Games: Activities for young children, including solar observing, paper rocket building and launching, kite flying, and more. There will also be a door prize giveaway just for kids.
Introduction to Astronomy Program: On Friday evening, from 8:30-10 PM, a special introduction to astronomy program will be held after the formal presentation. Bring your telescope or come to learn from knowledgeable astronomers about navigating the night sky, star hopping, and discovering new techniques and objects to observe.
Door Prizes & Raffle: Participate for a chance to win multiple items!