Picture our ancestors spellbound by star-drenched skies, their lives woven into the vibrant dawn and night’s inky embrace. These celestial rhythms guided their slumber, journeys, and myths, tying us to the cosmos.
In the 1800’s electric lights began to illuminate the sky, veiling this tapestry.
And Telluride has a fascinating connection!
In 1891, Lucien L. Nunn, partnering with Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, powered the Gold King Mine with alternating current at the Ames Power Plant—one of the earliest commercial AC systems, sending electricity a distance of 2.6 miles.
By 1892, Telluride was amongst the first in the world to illuminate the streets with alternating current. Telluride’s streets shimmered, unveiling a global milestone preserved in the Telluride Historical Museum’s artifacts. This radiant spark, ignited by Tesla’s genius and the vision of Westinghouse, lit the way for the modern world.
Yet, our historic legacy now veils our night skies. Light pollution obscures the Milky Way from 80% of the world, disrupting the health of humans, wildlife, insects, plants and coral reefs.
San Miguel County, with skies as dark as the remotest deserts, is a cosmic treasure. Just as we pioneered light, we can pioneer darkness, becoming the first U.S. county with a Dark Sky Reserve designation, spanning over 2,000 square miles.
The Western Slope Dark Sky Coalition, formed in 2021, drives this vision. Building on Norwood’s 2018 Dark Sky Community status, the coalition—backed by county grants, the Telluride Foundation, and the Colorado Tourism Office—champions easy to implement Dark Sky International smart lighting principles.
Our magnificent sky is more than stargazing—it’s opportunity. Astro-tourism thrives, as ecologically inspired travelers seek pristine night skies to reconnect with the cosmos. Prime viewing spots such as the open space near Lift 7 at the Telluride Ski Resort, Bear Creek Preserve and surrounding San Miguel County mesas offer easy access and unobstructed vistas of the Milky Way, perfect for cosmic photography or awe-inspired nights.
June is Colorado Dark Sky Month. Telluride can once again be a global leader. From our historic legacy of illuminating our community with Tesla and Westinghouse, Telluride and San Miguel County now have the opportunity to unveil the stars as the San Miguel County Dark Sky Reserve.
Please support the Western Slope Dark Sky Coalition.
Together our efforts can make history again by preserving our night sky for future generations!
Music written and produced by Kenny Mihelich. Western Slope Skies is produced by the Colorado Mesa University Astronomy Club, the Western Slope Dark Sky Coalition, and KVNF Community Radio. This feature was written and spoken by Kate Fedack in association with the Western Slope Dark Sky Coalition.