Colorado Springs Astronomical Society

The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society is a group of amateur astronomers with a passion for the night sky. We are over 100 members strong. We are a non-profit group dedicated to the enjoyment and teaching of the nighttime sky. Our club is a member society of the Astronomical League and the International Dark Sky Association. We hold monthly meetings which are open to members and non-members alike. Our club is two-fold in nature. One side being an organization that brings together those that share the same passions and the other side being Outreach.

Outreach is our way of sharing our knowledge of science and astronomy with the public. We host monthly public star parties as well as many private star parties many of which are the local schools in our area. We are also associated with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and provide star parties several times over the summer at the top of the Sky Ride, including the Stargazing Evenings. THIS Friday, August 19th beginning at 8:00pm is the LAST Stargazing Evening for the 2011 season. 

For more information on the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society please check out their website and calendar.  http://csastro.org/ 

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Black-Footed Ferret’s Rediscovery - Part IX: Breeding Season

Bunting’s kits are now at the 55 day mark.  At this stage they have the adult color pattern, but still have a juvenile appearance. This period is critical as it is when they get their first canine distemper vaccination.  Canine distemper is one of the diseases that nearly brought the black footed ferrets (BFFs) to extinction.  A special recombinant canine distemper vaccine was developed for BFFs as well as the domestic ferret. 

Bunting’s kit getting it’s first

canine distemper vaccination at

55 days of age.

The catch cage is always used now whenever they need to be examined or restrained along with thick leather bite gloves to block their escape from the catch cage. Roughly seven days from the distemper vaccination or at around 62 days old, they are anesthetized for a physical examination by one of our veterinarians.  They look for any possible abnormalities and implant a microchip under the skin for permanent identification.  

Bunting’s kit under gas anesthesia

for exam and microchip implant at

65 days of age.

Half inch long microchip

used to permanently ID the BFFs.

The microchip provides a 9 digit number

that is unique to that particular individual.

Summer Safety

Summer is winding down, many children have already headed back to school and the days are starting to get shorter and shorter. But, the weather is still warm and there’s always a chance for those last-minute outdoor getaways. We want to remind you of some basic safety guidelines while you’re enjoying the great outdoors.

• Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to put out your campfire completely before you leave.
• Use a plastic ground cloth under your tent to help keep you dry.
• Wear layers of light-weight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Be sure to bring along supplies including a first-aid kit, compass or GPS, map, flashlight, blankets, batteries, food, clothes, and medications.
• Always have plenty of extra socks with you when you go camping.
• Before you leave for your camping trip be sure to tell some of your friends where you are going. Be as specific as you can and let them know when you expect to return.
• Plan for the journey by researching the area on the web. 
• Be sure to bring your own water or water filter for drinking. 
• Carry out all of the garbage you carry in.
• Use sun block.
• If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly. 
• Storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your odds of being struck by lighting don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.

There are numerous different types of wildlife here in Colorado. One species you may encounter is the black bear. Black bears range in color from black to light blond and have a lighter patch on their chest. They average in size from 110 to 300 pounds, are two-and-a-half to three feet tall at their shoulder and around five feet standing. Their ears are larger and pointed and their claws are shorter. When looking at prints to detect if it’s a black bear, look for a larger toe arc. Toe imprints are farther apart and the claws usually don’t leave an impression.

While we no longer have grizzly bears in Colorado, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to two. During Teddy Bear Days, held on July 9 and 10, our bears illustrated what may happen to your campsite if you don’t follow basic camping guidelines. Take a look at the video clip to see these helpful bear tips in action.

• Never cook or store food in or near your tent.
• Hang food and other items with strong odors (i.e., toothpaste, bug repellent, soap, etc.) out of reach of bears.
• Hang items at least 10 feet above the ground and if no trees are available, store your food in air-tight or bear-proof containers.
• Change your clothing before you go to sleep.  Don't wear what you cooked in to bed and be sure to store smelly clothing along with your food/ other smelly items.
• Keep the area clean. Be sure to wash dishes, dispose of garbage, and wipe down tables.
• Burn garbage completely in a hot fire and pack trash out - don't bury it.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Black-Footed Ferret’s Rediscovery - Part VIII: Breeding Season

Bunting’s kits are now growing very fast.  They are still nursing, but are mostly eating specially developed ground meat and rodents.  They are also busy playing which is important for them to strengthen and develop their motor skills. 

They are now venturing into the black tube that leads from their nestbox to the upper enclosure.  This makes getting a visual or catching the ferret to weigh extremely challenging.  They are not yet at the biting age, but very soon we will need to wear thick leather gloves to protect our hands. Since this is a reintroduction program, it is important for the kits to remain wary of humans.  Talking is kept to a minimum and handling is only done when absolutely necessary.  Once old enough, a catch cage will be used as they are too feisty and strong to hold otherwise. 

Bunting’s kits at 40 days old

Meet Kayson!

Meet Kayson Cooper a Summer Camp Counselor 

here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! 

Name: Kayson Cooper

Age: 20 Years Old

Hometown: Riverton, WY

Favorite Zoo Animal: Elephants, Apes

Career Aspirations: I would like to be involved with conservation education, especially teaching children about wildlife and how they preserve it.

What’s your favorite part of Cheyenne

Mountain Zoo (CMZ)? The beautiful scenery and natural exhibits.

What inspired you to become a camp

counselor here at CMZ? I love animals and enjoy teaching others about them, so this is a dream job.

What age kids are you working with? This summer, I have worked with kids from four to 15 years old.

What activities do you have planned for them throughout camp? The campers will be meeting animals up close, going on behind the scenes tours and hearing personalized keeper talks.

What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome being a camp counselor? The biggest obstacle has been trying to explain information in a way that young kids understand and the older kids are still entertained.

What is the benefit of being a camp counselor at CMZ? I get to see new things every day and I learn so much from the kids and my fellow counselors. 

Do you have any Funny stories? I asked a group of four-and five-year-olds “What animals have scales?” They all immediately responded that giraffes have scales.