- What's Happenin' Boulder
- Posts
- Spot the Rare Comet Over Boulder + Weekend Events You Won’t Want to Miss! 🌠
Spot the Rare Comet Over Boulder + Weekend Events You Won’t Want to Miss! 🌠
Catch a glimpse of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS before it’s gone for 80,000 years! Plus, check out our events guide and a fun poll to wrap up the week.
What's Happenin' Team
October 16, 2024
Catch a Cosmic Show: Boulder’s Guide to Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS 🌠
Happy Hump Day, Boulder! 🐪
We’re halfway through the week, and what better way to celebrate than by getting ready for some amazing events and outdoor adventures? From spotting a rare comet to catching a local band at the Velvet Elk Lounge, there’s so much to do this weekend. So, grab a coffee, take a break, and let’s dive into what Boulder has in store for you!
In today’s issue:
How to spot the rare comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS 🌠
Weekend events you won’t want to miss 🎉
Let’s get you all set for the weekend and beyond!
— The Boulder Buzz Team
The Rare Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Your Viewing Guide 🌠
Photo by: u/AeroSpace_10
A celestial visitor is gracing Boulder’s skies! 🌌 Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, discovered just last year, has traveled all the way from the Oort Cloud—beyond Pluto—and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it. How rare is it? This icy traveler won’t return for another 80,000 years! 🛸
How and When to Spot It
Best Time: Just after sunset
Best Viewing Days: Mid-October through the end of the month, with peak viewing on Saturday evening.
Where to Look: Western horizon (Be sure to get to a spot with an open view of the sky to avoid mountain obstructions).
Pro Tip: The skies are clear enough this week, but make sure to catch it before the weekend clouds roll in!
Great Places in Boulder for Comet-Watching:
Here are the top comet-watching spots in Boulder, shared by the local community, along with some stunning photos:
 Photo by: u/little_cougs2019 | Davidson Mesa:A perfect open vista with minimal light pollution, offering a clear view of the night sky. |
 Photo by: u/BrianLikesOutside | The Flatirons:Iconic and breathtaking, the Flatirons provide an epic backdrop for stargazing, making it a popular spot for comet hunters. |
 Photo by: u/nyc217 | Boulder Valley Ranch:Known for its wide open spaces, this spot gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the comet. |
 Photo by: u/alexus404 | Harlow Platts Park:A quieter park with beautiful views towards the western horizon—perfect for spotting the comet as it rises. |
 Photo by: u/ConsciousName1826 | West of Boulder:Head west of town for higher elevations and darker skies for optimal comet-watching. |
With the comet expected to be brightest in the early evening, any of these spots could offer a front-row seat to this rare celestial show.
 Blues with Tom Pakele & Stevieguitar Live at BOCO Cider 📅 When: Thursday, October 17, 2024 Get ready for an evening of blues with this guitar and harmonica duo, playing timeless tunes from legends like Howlin' Wolf and John Mayall. Grab a cider and soak up the good vibes. 🎸🎤 |  Kendall Street Company at Roots Music Project 📅 When: Thursday, October 17, 2024 This Virginia-based band blends rock, jazz, and psychedelia for an unpredictable night of genre-bending music. Don't miss this wild ride with plenty of crowd participation and off-the-cuff humor. 🎶 |  Carrie The Musical at The Spark 📅 When: Friday, October 18, 2024 Step into the world of Stephen King's iconic thriller, Carrie, adapted for the stage. This chilling tale explores bullying, control, and supernatural powers—perfect for an eerie fall evening. 👻 |
 DJ Williams Band at Roots Music Project 📅 When: Friday, October 18, 2024 Join acclaimed guitarist D.J. Williams for a high-energy performance. Expect soulful guitar riffs, a fusion of funk and rock, and a night of unforgettable live music. 🎸🎶 |  Shakedown Productions Presents: Ooga with Humandala, Sqonk, Hokey Boi, Snilk 📅 When: Friday, October 18, 2024 Catch Ooga's performance alongside other stellar acts for a night of eclectic electronic music and immersive sounds. 🎧✨ |  The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at The Velvet Elk Lounge 📅 When: Friday, October 18, 2024 Known as “the greatest front-porch blues band in the world,” Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band brings its high-energy, foot-stomping blues to the Velvet Elk Lounge. Expect a raw and passionate performance from one of the best fingerpickers around. 🎶🔥 |
Weather Update
Thursday, Oct 17: 🌥️ Cloudy | High: 74°F / Low: 44°F | 7% chance of rain | Winds: SSW 9 mph
Friday, Oct 18: 🌧️ PM Showers | High: 55°F / Low: 36°F | 69% chance of rain | Winds: NNE 10 mph
Saturday, Oct 19: 🌨️ AM Rain/Snow Showers | High: 48°F / Low: 38°F | 55% chance of rain/snow | Winds: E 5 mph
Sunday, Oct 20: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 58°F / Low: 45°F | 24% chance of rain | Winds: ENE 6 mph
Monday, Oct 21: 🌞 Mostly Sunny | High: 67°F / Low: 45°F | 7% chance of rain | Winds: W 10 mph
Poll Time!
What’s your go-to fall activity in Boulder?
🍁 Explore the Changing Leaves
🎨 Check Out Local Murals
🍺 Sample Seasonal Brews
🎃 Visit a Harvest Market or Pumpkin Patch
☕ Relax on a Café Patio
🚶♂️ Wander Pearl Street
🥧 Savor Fall Flavors
That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for catching up with us this week! Be sure to get outside, catch a glimpse of the comet, and enjoy Boulder’s outdoor wonders. 🌌✨
Until next time, keep exploring!
— The Boulder Buzz Team 🐝
Reply