If you’ve ever looked up on a clear Fort Collins night and marveled at the stars, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. According to a recent study by The Action Network, Colorado ranks second in the U.S. for asteroid and meteor viewing, just behind California. But what makes Colorado, and specifically Fort Collins, such a stargazer’s dream?
The Numbers Behind Colorado’s Stellar Ranking
The Action Network study used a mix of measurable factors to determine the best places in America to see asteroids, meteors, and celestial events:
- Elevation: Colorado’s average elevation is 6,800 feet—the highest among the top 10 states.
- Darkness: The state boasts 2 Bortle 1 sites and 17 Bortle 2 sites—these are areas with exceptionally dark skies, ideal for stargazing.
- Observatories: With 7 observatories accessible to the public, Colorado offers widespread infrastructure for sky-watching.
- Fireball Sightings: In 2025 alone, 28 fireball events were reported across the state, making it statistically one of the best places to catch a glimpse of meteor activity.
All this data results in a 4.45% implied probability of seeing a fireball in the sky at any given time in Colorado—a surprisingly high number for skywatching odds.
Fort Collins: A Leader in Preserving the Night Sky
While the state offers ideal geography, Fort Collins is setting itself apart through active, intentional night sky preservation efforts. In July 2025, city staff gave a detailed update to the City Council outlining the progress and future direction of Fort Collins’ Night Sky Initiative, a multi-departmental push to reduce light pollution and support both human and ecological health.
Key goals of the initiative include:
- Maintaining safety and security through smart lighting
- Implementing best practices in outdoor lighting
- Reducing unnecessary light to preserve dark skies
- Supporting wildlife and human well-being through darker nights
What Is Fort Collins Doing to Protect Our View of the Stars?
The City of Fort Collins is taking a multi-pronged approach, engaging departments like Light & Power, Natural Areas, and Environmental Services to work collaboratively. Some of the most notable actions include:
✅ Updated Lighting Codes
- All new residential and commercial buildings must use night-sky-friendly lighting (since 2017).
- Outdoor commercial lighting must be turned off 30 minutes after sunrise and dimmed by at least 50% two hours after business closes.
- Lighting budgets and zones have been implemented in the land use code to tailor lighting to neighborhood context.
✅ Monitoring Sky Brightness
- Fort Collins uses 7 monitoring locations to track overhead sky brightness.
- Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, a control site, remains one of the darkest areas, measuring just 0.27 milli-candela (mcd)—a benchmark for natural darkness.
✅ Retrofitting and Technology
- Streetlights are being retrofitted with warmer-color LEDs, directional shielding, and dimming capabilities.
- Municipal buildings like the Lincoln Center and Museum of Discovery are adopting light-conscious designs.
✅ Education & Community Engagement
- Residential campaigns and community science efforts are being deployed to help residents measure light trespass, especially near natural areas.
- Fort Collins has even partnered with the National Park Service’s Night Sky Division to reduce urban light pollution encroaching on wildlife habitats.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re heading out to Soapstone Prairie for a night hike, stargazing from your backyard, or planning to catch the Perseid Meteor Shower this August, Fort Collins is one of the best cities in the country to see the night sky—and it’s only getting better.
The city’s commitment to dark sky preservation doesn’t just make for pretty nights. It supports:
- Healthier sleep cycles for residents
- Improved wildlife activity and migration patterns
- Better energy efficiency and lower municipal costs
- A stronger sense of place and awe
So next time you’re outdoors after dark, take a moment to look up—you’re standing in one of the country’s most ideal places to do so.