Dark Sky Salida is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing our local natural nighttime environment. The vision is that the night sky in Salida becomes darker over time. As part of the process we will pursue certification of Salida as a Dark Sky Community, at the same time informing citizens, visitors, and civic leaders on the impact of excessive or inappropriate Artificial Light At Night and measures everyone can take to mitigate it.
DON’T MISS THE METEOR SHOWER
If the dark skies are clear December 13, 2025 be sure to look up and view the Geminid meteor shower (active until December 17th). Named for the constellation Gemini from which they appear to radiate, you could see between 60 to 120 shooting stars per hour (under pristine conditions). The best viewing starts around 10 P.M. The waning crescent moon doesn’t rise until 2 A.M., so you have four moonlight-free hours to spot the year’s brightest sky show!
STAR PARTY
On October 17, 2025 the Mobile Earth + Space Observatory (MESO), Dark Sky Salida and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association hosted an astronomy-focused “Star Party” at the Valley View Nature Learning Center to learn about the night skies by experimenting with solar and celestial telescopes, spectroscopy, infrared cameras, augmented reality table and gravity wells from MESO’s mobile observatory. This event was attended by close to 100 people, was family friendly and kids entered for free. See THIS ARTICLE for more from GARNA (and the Mountain Mail).
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE
On October 22, 2025 Pete Poorman, President of Dark Sky Salida, gave a GARNA-sponsored talk geared toward adults at the Valley View Nature Learning Center to learn more about our mission, work and resources for retrofitting lighting fixtures. The lecture was attended by 30 adults, all very supportive of making our skies ever darker. See THIS ARTICLE for more from the Ark Valley Voice.
RIBBON CUTTING
On November 14, 2025 Dark Sky Salida participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony as Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce welcomed us to its membership. See THIS ARTICLE for more from the Mountain Mail.
MENTORING GRANT
Dark Sky Salida is a recipient of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s “Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program”. The program provides up to 15 hours of on-demand technical assistance including structuring a successful application for International Dark Sky Places, developing a Sky Quality Measuring program, conducting a community lighting inventory, and more.
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