A Night Among the Stars: CSU Observatory Celebrates 60 Years

CSU is throwing a celestial celebration tonight—and you’re invited! The Madison-Macdonald Observatory turns 60 with a galaxy of free events, from solar viewing to deep space 3D tours and telescope lessons. Whether you’re into star clusters or just curious about the cosmos, it’s the perfect night to look up.

🍻Fort Collins Trivia

What’s the closest star to Earth (besides the Sun)?

A) Alpha Centauri

B) Sirius

C) Polaris

D) Betelgeuse

Click an option to vote

The Bulletin

Have something meaningful to share with the community? Showcase your business, event, opportunity, or announcement with a growing list of 4,900+ readers.

🍔 Who’s Got the Best Burger in Fort Collins?

From classic roadside burgers to chef-crafted patties piled high with local flair, FoCo’s burger scene is sizzling. We’re rounding up the juiciest contenders in town—now it’s your turn to crown the one that rules them all. 🍟🔥

Vote now and let’s settle this beef once and for all →

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🍕 Craving: Fuego Pizza Company

📍 2601 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO

💰 $10–20 | Artisanal Pizza

“In Crust We Trust,” says Fuego—and FoCo agrees. Known for its bold flavor combos and fire-kissed crust, this locally loved joint serves up pies with attitude and quality ingredients to match. Whether you’re in for a full pie or just a quick slice with friends, Fuego brings the heat.

🌟 Hot Tip: Go for the specialty pies—they don’t hold back on the toppings.

🔭 A Stellar Celebration: 60 Years of CSU Stargazing

Tonight, we’re looking up—way up—as the CSU Madison-Macdonald Observatory marks 60 years of cosmic curiosity with a full lineup of free, family-friendly space-themed events. Whether you’re a telescope nerd, a NASA daydreamer, or just someone who likes to look at shiny things in the sky, this one’s for you.

From solar flares in the afternoon to rings of Saturn by night, here’s your quick guide to tonight’s space-tastic celebration:

🌞 Solar Observing at Festival on the Oval

⏰ 3–6 PM | 📍The Oval

Safely spot solar flares and sunspots with the CSU Astronomy Club and their solar telescopes.

🪐 Public Lecture: “The Exoplanet R(E)volution”

⏰ 6:30 PM | 📍Biology Building Room 136

NASA’s Kevin Hardegree-Ullman explores the discovery of 6,000+ exoplanets and what’s next in the search for life beyond Earth.

🌌 Map of the Universe (3D Show)

⏰ 7 PM, 7:30 PM, 8 PM | 📍NESB Room A302

Travel 500 million light-years out and back in this guided cosmic journey. Limited seating!

💡 Sol Trek: LED Light Speed Demo

⏰ 7–8:15 PM | 📍Libbie Coy Way Walkway

Experience the speed of sunlight (literally!) with a glowing LED installation simulating its 8-minute trip to Earth.

🧪 Little Shop of Physics: Space Experiments

⏰ 7–8:15 PM | 📍NESB Atrium & 3rd Floor

Hands-on science for kids, adults, and curious minds of all ages.

✨ Star Gazing at Madison-Macdonald Observatory

⏰ 7:15–8:30 PM | 📍1251 Libbie Coy Way

Peer through CSU’s telescopes—new and historic—to glimpse Saturn, Andromeda, star clusters, and more. Learn how to use a Dobsonian scope, and meet the stars through CSU’s legendary Alvan Clark telescope.

🌠 Whether you stay for one activity or orbit them all, tonight’s your chance to go interstellar—right from campus.

What's Happenin' in Fort Collins: Event Listings

Friday, October 17

CSU Observatory 60th Anniversary Events - Venue TBD, Fort Collins | 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Ticketed

Well-Being for Women: Monthly Care for the Body, Mind & Soul - Happy Trails Coffee, Fort Collins | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Huge 3 Day Storewide SALE! - Vintage Marketplace, Fort Collins | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Ticketed

Saturday, October 18

Colorado State Football vs. Hawai'i - Venue TBD, Fort Collins | Time TBD | Ticketed

Community Service Sewing Day - Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, Fort Collins | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Ticketed

Hocus Pocus - Art Mart - 1020 E Lincoln Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524, Fort Collins | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Sunday, October 19

Clay Floral Ghosts Workshop - Bath Garden Center & Nursery, Fort Collins | 12:00pm | 0pm | Ticketed

Harmony of Creation Workshop: Intuitive Art | Journaling | Sound healing - Venue TBD, Fort Collins | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Ticketed

FCS Up Close: Chamber Concert 1 - 916 W Prospect Rd Fort Collins, CO 80526, Fort Collins | 2:00 PM | Ticketed

🛸 That’s a Wrap, Space Cadets

Whether you’re catching sunspots or spotting Saturn, tonight’s celebration is a reminder that the universe is full of wonder—and it’s right in our backyard. Forward this to your favorite stargazing buddy, and don’t forget to look up. 🌌

Trivia Answer: A) Alpha Centauri.Technically, Proxima Centauri—a red dwarf in the Alpha Centauri system—is the closest at just over 4.2 light-years away!

See you Monday for more Fort Collins happenings!

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew 💛