Join us for FDRD's first Skill Series Clinic! 

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As a Friend of the Dillon Ranger District, you’re the type that like to get out, get away, and get in nature. For most that means leaving your cell phone and technology in your backpack so you can enjoy the undistracted pleasure of the outdoors in the day and night.

But, how do you navigate your way around our gorgeous Summit County night skies without your cell phone? Answer: the same way ancient mariners, farmers, and explorers did. You learn the night sky.

Would you like to see how to do this? If so, then join “Astro” Mark Laurin for the first FDRD’s skills clinic and learn how to navigate the night without technology. “Astro” Mark Laurin brings over 50 years of passion to studying, teaching, and sharing the night sky. Mark is a member of the Denver Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League, DarkSky Colorado, DarkSky International, and an apprentice Operator of the historic Chamberlin Observatory’s Clark-Saegmuller telescope, at the University of Denver.

This two part skill clinic is both an indoor and outdoor experience.  Inside you’ll learn how to determine stargazing conditions, critical navigation constellations, star color and magnitude, measuring distance, and star hopping. Outside, it's time to practice what we learned inside. We will examine the winter / spring constellations, the winter hexagon, and the intertwined mythological stories of the constellations visible that evening. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.

This event is free, but the world famous David Chandler’s The Night Sky, all sky charts, and mini red light flashlights (to maintain your night vision) will be available for purchase at the event.  

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Location: Frisco Adventure Park- Slopeside Room 1. This is the new slopeside building in Adventure Park. Location here.

Suggested Things to Bring Include:

Warm clothing - layers work well

Headlamp

Binoculars

Emergency medications

Plenty of drinking water and snacks

An open mind brimming with questions for the tour guide

Pets and smoking are not permitted on this hike.