Celebrate International Dark Sky Week At Utah's Dark Sky Parks

This is National Park Week in the U.S. and special activities are being held at many of Utah's Mighty 5 parks.


The is also International Dark Sky Week (April 20-26, 2014). Some of our national parks and monuments have certified dark skies and often host star parties and other events. Below we provide dark sky info about some of our parks, along with links where you can get additional information.


Natural Bridges National Monument
On March 6th, 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument became the first International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. This is one of the great places in the world to set up a telescope or do time-lapse photography to capture star tracks.


Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce will host its 14th Annual Astronomy Festival June 25 - 28, 2014, when the park's Dark Rangers and the Salt Lake Astronomical Society welcome Australia's award-winning photographer and amateur astronomer Alex Cherney. Don't miss this keynote presentation on Friday, June 27 at 9 pm.

Cedar Breaks National Monument
To celebrate and share the beauty of its dark night skies, Cedar Breaks will be hosting a series of Star Parties, to be held at the Point Supreme Overlook on Saturday nights beginning July 6 through August 31. A constellation tour and telescope viewing through several large telescopes will be facilitated by park staff and astronomy volunteers. Visitors who have their own telescopes are invited to bring them to the Star Party.


The spectacular annual Perseids meteor shower will be highlighted with Star Party activities on August 12. Activities will begin at 9:30 pm in June and July and 9 pm during August. Call 435-586-0787 for more detailed dates and information. NOTE: These events are dependent upon good weather!


Summary of Star Party Dates:
July 5, 12, 19, 22, 26
August 2, 9, 12 (Perseids), 16, 23, 30