Severance
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Severance area serves as a strategic corridor for CO observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Horsetooth Mtn Open Space with professional NPS sky reports at Coyote Ridge for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Severance
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~11.9 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 6 rating from Coyote Ridge as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Northern Colorado Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Severance offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Severance acts as a primary gateway to the Horsetooth Mtn Open Space zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 6) at Coyote Ridge just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Severance
While Spring offers the most consistent clear nights for Severance, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Spring months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Severance Observers
When observing from Horsetooth Mtn Open Space, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Severance residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of CO to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 6 at Coyote Ridge (13.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Severance
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Severance environment.
Horsetooth Mtn Open Space
" Practically in Severance's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Fossil Creek Reservoir
" Practically in Severance's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Lvld Prairie Ridge
" Just a quick dash for Severance residents, this location offers great convenience. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
Lory SP
" Severance observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
" Severance observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Severance
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Horsetooth Mtn Open Space to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Severance
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Severance observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Coyote Ridge
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
For observers in Severance, Coyote Ridge serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Resolution Testing. 3 data sets collected in order to determine vertical and horizontal illuminance"
Center Road
Fort Collins
Local Relevance
For observers in Severance, Center Road serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Attempted to block the brightest sources. No natural sky to observe, as light scatter was visible to zenith."
Dark Sky Oasis near Severance
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Severance observers.
Jackson Lake State Park
Severance stargazers often look to Jackson Lake State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Jackson Lake State Park 26363 Count Rd 3 Orchard, CO 80649
Town of Breckenridge, Colorado
As one of the closest certified environments to Severance, Town of Breckenridge, Colorado offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
150 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424
Astronomy Clubs for Severance
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Deep Sky Hunter profile.
Gearing Up for Severance Nights
"Because you're heading just outside the Severance light dome, ensure your kit includes a dedicated "dew shield" to protect your optics from the humidity shifts found in the transitions between urban and rural zones."
The Severance Field Kit
When observing near Severance, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. Since Horsetooth Mtn Open Space offers a specific Class 6 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.