Ariana Brocious

March 20th is the March equinox, one of four important days in the year that define the relation between the sun and the Earth.

This could be a spectacular year for comets, ending with one that may be the brightest comet in many years appearing in the last 2-3 months of the year. 

The term Light Pollution refers to excessive and glaring artificial lighting, especially light that is scattered above the horizon.  This is a very serious problem for astronomers, because it can prevent them from seeing objects in space.

In our Western skies, three planets are visible with the naked eye or binoculars during February evenings. They are Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury.

This week, residents and business owners from the North Fork Valley returned to Washington, D.C. in hopes of stopping the Bureau of Land Management proposal to lease 20,000 acres for oil and gas development. 

A hearing officer is making no recommendation about whether to approve or deny a license for the Pinyon Ridge uranium mill in western Montrose County. Instead, he's leaving the decision to state regulators. Retired judge Richard Dana submitted his six-page ruling to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment yesterday. From KOTO in Telluride, Stephen Barrett reports.

Governor John Hickenlooper called for universal background checks for all gun sales in his annual state of the state address on Thursday. Hickenlooper outlined several proposals he plans to back on issues such as marijuana, hydraulic fracturing, and mental health. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• USA Pro-cycling race picks host cities for 2013
• A look ahead at water issues in legislative session
• Naturita uranium mill looks to expand
• Moment of Silence Friday for Sandy Hook victims
• San Miguel County cuts budget funding to non-profits

Business is booming at cattle sales yards throughout Colorado – but that’s not so good for ranchers. Last year's dry winter combined with an ongoing drought are forcing many ranchers to sell more than they like.

This month marks an anniversary for Western Slope Skies. Our first broadcast was in November of 2011 and Jupiter was the topic. Once again this year, Jupiter will be the brightest object in the night sky. It rises in the east during evening twilight in late November.