Starry Nights
photos by Stephen Eginoire

Without a doubt, the Four Corners region boasts the darkest of skies. With little or no light pollution tainting our cosmos, stargazing is about as effortless as it gets. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible from horizon to horizon, a spectacle seen in only a few select places in the country. June is a great month to catch four out of the five planets visible to the unaided eye. Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Mercury all congregate in the morning sky, a sight not to be missed!

The North Star seen above Lookout Peak, near Ophir Pass. Boulders, juniper trees and streaking stars stand out west of Durango. A campfire illuminates a cottonwood. Orion is visible to the right of the tree. The Milky Way frames the branches of a cottonwood. The Milky Way and a cottonwood glow together in this 4.5 hour time lapse exposure.

 

In this week's issue...

June 4, 2026
Tougher on trash

As human-bear conflicts rise, new state law targets ‘knowingly’ allowing attractants

June 4, 2026
Redefining the business of art

Colorado’s new A Corp model helps creatives retain control while attracting investment
 

May 28, 2026
Quick 'n' Dirty

Help for the Demon Bridge, Highway 550 N closure, and fire mitigation falls off