Stellar Vista Observatory invites you to explore the night sky

Stellar Vista Ob­servatory (SVO), a nonprofit organization in Kanab dedicated to helping people appreci­ate and understand the night sky, is hosting a series of exciting public astronomy events this fall. From free star par­ties to a unique star­lit dinner experience, there’s something for everyone who wants to connect with the cosmos.

Can you spot the trick in this photo of the moon? Photo via SVO.

The series begins on Friday, September 12, with a public star party at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park as part of the Southwest Astronomy Festival. Guests will gather on the park’s observation deck to enjoy stunning views of the constel­lations Scorpius and Sagittarius, which cradle the glittering Butterfly and Ptolemy star clusters. To add to the spectacle, the planet Saturn will be making its return to the evening sky. The event is free with a $5/ vehicle park entrance fee, waived for campers already staying in the park.

On Thursday, Sep­tember 25, SVO wel­comes Dr. Troy Allan from Utah State Uni­versity to Kanab. Dr. Allan will present an engaging talk on how enjoying the night sky can be a pathway to mental wellness, awe and community connection. This free program begins at 7 p.m. at the Kanab City Library and offers a chance to explore the human side of astron­omy and its benefits beyond science.

For those looking for an elevated night under the stars, SVO is hosting Desert Star­light in Kanab, a spe­cial evening of dinner, astrophotography and guided stargazing in Kanab on Friday, Sep­tember 19 and Friday, September 26. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, hands-on astro­photography opportu­nities and breathtak­ing views of the night sky with telescopes and expert guidance. Tickets are $149 per person and available on Eventbrite at bit.ly/ DesertStarlight2025.

The celebration con­tinues with Interna­tional Observe the Moon Night on Fri­day, October 3, again at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Visitors will gather to admire our clos­est celestial neighbor through telescopes, learning about its cra­ters, mountains and seas of ancient lava. This event is also free with the standard $5/ vehicle park entrance fee.

Whether you’re a first-time stargazer or a seasoned sky­watcher, these events offer unforgettable op­portunities to explore the wonders of the universe. By bring­ing astronomy to the public, Stellar Vista Observatory fulfills its mission of inspiring cu­riosity and deepening appreciation for the night sky.

For information about these and other upcoming programs, visit StellarVistaOb­servatory.org.