Summer begins when the sun reaches its most northern point for the year on June 21. Larger image Photo courtesy of Fiske Planetarium

Summer solstice, solar eclipse to show in June

June's night sky is a stage upon which dazzling planetary displays, meteor showers, and an array of galaxies, star clusters and constellations play out celestial drama.

Venus, a brilliant orb, pairs closely with Jupiter low in the northwest after sunset early in the month. Climbing higher every night, Venus sets more than 2½ hours after nightfall. On the evening of June 13, watch for a crescent moon above and to the left of Venus. [ FULL STORY ]

Today's Get Out Calendar

Summer solstice, solar eclipse to show in June

June's night sky is a stage upon which dazzling planetary displays, meteor showers, and an array of galaxies, star clusters and constellations play out celestial drama.

Cheaper, quicker climbing catching hold

JACKSON, Wyo. — Digging his chalk-caked fingers into a crack, Jay Bretz moves steadily upward as a hot sun beats down on Hoback Shield.

Event makes tough mountain biking race 'more accessible'

Event makes tough mountain biking race 'more accessible'

Pools opening in time to stave heat off heat

With fewer sprinklers for kids to jump through this summer because of water restrictions, local swimming pools may be a good option for managing these hot days.

Use Web to plan visit to Zion, Bryce canyons

Some of the nation's most spectacular scenery is concentrated in southern Utah, especially in and around the canyons and rock formations of Zion and Bryce national parks.

Elk, aspens and 14ers make for perfect weekend

You know you've found a wild place when an elk bugles at your dog to give him the right of way.

Stampede good Bolder Boulder follow

Now that you have spent all spring getting in shape to run the Bolder Boulder, you might want to pick out another race to take advantage of your fitness level.

Miller moths vital to ecosystem

They make their way indoors stealthily, clinging to clothes hung outside to dry. Open a garage door, and they flutter out on dusty wings. Miller moths must be responsible for dozens of bird deaths: I watched a finch nearly strike a parked car, chasing greedily after one.

Hooked on the Outdoors changes its look

Local outdoor magazine Hooked on the Outdoors is launching changes to its print and Web faces. A new look and logo will hit the newsstands in late June, and the magazine's Web site is already sporting the new look.

Learning about nature at Lookout Mountain

Interpretive specialist Carol English proudly describes the Lookout Mountain Nature Center as "the educational hub of Jefferson County's open space," and once you enter the facility, it's easy to see why.

June events show cycling season in full swing

Two solid opportunities for cyclists to get involved in some early-season racing — one old and one new — are coming up in June.

The first is the 2002 Compass Bank Elephant Rock Festival on Sunday, starting at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, a half-mile southeast of downtown Castle Rock.

The festival — in its 15th year — is a series of on- and off-road races ranging from 12 to 100 miles and starting at different times throughout the morning.

Race director Scot Harris said he expects 6,500 to 7,000 participants to register for the rides this year.

The rides will be followed by the "party at the rock" post-ride picnic and cycling expo.

Race entry costs $35 for adults and $25 for children and gets you refreshments, a T-shirt, water bottle and a goodie bag from the race's sponsors in addition to a scenic ride around Castle Rock.

For more information, visit www.elephantrockride.com or call (303) 282-9020.

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