Durango City Lifestyle

05/02/2025

04/29/2025

🌌 Planet Parade Over Durango – April 29, 2025 🌌

On the evening of April 29, witness a stunning alignment of Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune gracing the western sky. This celestial event, often referred to as a “planet parade,” offers a mesmerizing view as these planets line up along the ecliptic.​

🕖 Best Viewing Time: Approximately 45 minutes after sunset, around 8:00 PM MDT. Look towards the western horizon for the best view.​

🔭 Viewing Tips:

Venus will shine brightly and be the easiest to spot.
Mercury and Saturn will appear nearby; a pair of binoculars can enhance your view.
Neptune is faint and requires a telescope to observe.
Find a location with a clear view of the western horizon, away from city lights—perhaps up by Hogsback or Animas Mountain.​
📸 Capture the Moment: Share your photos of this rare alignment and tag us!​
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04/24/2025

Skywatchers in Durango, don’t miss this!
On the morning of April 25th, look to the eastern horizon around 5:30 a.m. MDT as Venus, Saturn, and a crescent Moon align to form a rare “smiley face” in the sky.
This celestial trio will be visible just before sunrise, creating a delightful spectacle.
For the best view, head to a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon—perhaps up by Hogsback or Animas Mountain.
Don’t forget your binoculars or telescope to enhance the experience (you maybe be able to spot Neptune!)
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04/22/2025

🌠 Viewing Details for Durango
Peak Time: Between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM MDT on April 23.
Visibility: Expect to see 10–20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
Moon Phase: A waning crescent moon at about 40% illumination will rise a few hours before dawn, providing relatively dark skies for better visibility.
Weather Forecast: Clear skies are expected, with temperatures dropping to around 33°F (0°C) overnight.
🔭 Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
Location: Choose a dark spot away from city lights, such as areas near Durango Hills, Animas Mountain Trailhead, or La Plata Canyon.
Preparation: Dress warmly and bring a blanket or reclining chair for comfort.
Eye Adjustment: Allow at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness.
Viewing Direction: Look slightly away from the Lyra constellation (near the bright star Vega) to catch meteors with longer trails.
Avoid Light Pollution: Turn off all nearby lights and avoid using your phone to maintain night vision.
📸 Photography Tips
Equipment: Use a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and a wide-angle lens.
Settings: Opt for long exposure times and high ISO settings to capture the meteors effectively.​
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