Star Parties

An Unforgettable Show

On May 20th, 2012 a rare event will occur: an annular solar eclipse. In an annular eclipse, the moon doesn't fully cover the sun, and so the result is a blazing ring of light. Cedar Breaks, as well as its surrounding area, is right on the center of the eclipse's path. Unfortunately, the park's summer season doesn't begin until May 25th, so there will be no viewing events at Cedar Breaks. But that isn't stopping our rangers from putting on a good show! Join us at Kanarraville, a small town just south of the park on I-15, as we view this fantastic event with solar telescopes and special solar glasses. As a warm-up to the main show, an Eclipse Extravaganza will be held in Cedar City on May 19th. For more details about these stellar events, please click here.

 

The Transit of a Lifetime

The eclipse isn't all 2012 has to offer astronomy lovers. On June 5th an even rarer event will occur: a transit of Venus. Our sister planet will pass directly between Earth and the sun, an alignment that only happens every century or so. Transits of Venus always come in pairs separated by eight years. The last transit was in 2004 but if you missed it, then be sure to see it now, or be prepared to wait for the next pair of transits in 2117! This year's transit will begin at 4:05pm MDT, and will continue through sunset. Cedar Breaks park rangers will be at Point Supreme Overlook with solar telescopes to view this special event.
 

Remember: NEVER look directly at the sun without proper safety equipment!

 

You're Invited to a Party!

As darkness falls on Cedar Breaks National Monument, a different kind of light illuminates the night sky. That light, which comes from objects out in space transforms the night from a place of darkness into a place of wonder.

To celebrate and share the beauty of our dark night skies, Cedar Breaks hosts a series of star parties throughout the summer season. Each star party is conducted by park staff and astronomy volunteers at Point Supreme. Once the light fades, the party kicks off with a laser light tour of the constellations, followed by star viewing through several telescopes. Observe swirling nebulae, twinkling star clusters, neighborly planets, and distant galaxies. Learn about everything from constellation mythology to the structure of the universe, all in one night!

Star parties are free of charge and are two hours in duration. Telescopes will be provided for viewing, although visitors who own their own telescopes are invited to bring them along. Please dress warmly for the cool night air at this high elevation!

Star parties will be held every Saturday evening beginning in July and extending through Labor Day weekend. Additional star parties are scheduled for full moons and meteor showers. Please note that start times will change as the season progresses.

Dates for the 2012 season:

9:30pm - 11:30pm
July 3 Star party and full moon hike
July 7
July 14
July 21
July 28

9:00pm - 11:00pm
August 1 Star party and full moon hike
August 4
August 11
August 12 Peak of the Perseids meteor shower
August 18
August 25
August 31 Star party and full moon hike
September 1

Star parties may be canceled due to inclement weather: for more information call the visitor center at 435-586-0787 ex. 4031 (during the summer season only).

 

Experience the Perseid Meteor Shower!

The dark skies of Cedar Breaks are the perfect place to see one of the most fantastic light shows of the year- the Perseid meteor shower. Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through a comet’s orbit. As comets travel around the sun, they leave trails of dust particles behind. When these particles come in contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, friction causes them to burn up into bright streaks across the sky.  Perseid meteors are so named because they appear to radiate outwards from the Perseus constellation. The shower peaks after midnight on the night of August 12^th, when as many as 40 meteors per hour can be seen. Bring a lounge chair, a blanket, and a hot drink and enjoy the show!

 

Darkness- A Forgotten Resource

Due to its high elevation and remote location, Cedar Breaks has one of the darkest night skies in the country. However, this often overlooked natural resource is in danger of being completely lost as increased light pollution from nearby cities obscures the stars. Instead of a deep black expanse punctuated by the brilliant pinpoints of stars and the iridescent glow of the Milky Way, light pollution reduces the night sky to a faintly orange haze. 

Light pollution has become so prevalent in urban areas that it’s becoming difficult to remember what the night sky is supposed to look like. For example, after a 1994 earthquake knocked the power out in Los Angeles, emergency centers received numerous calls from anxious residents regarding a strange, silvery cloud in the sky. They didn’t realize they were looking at their own galaxy. National Parks and Monuments are one of the few remaining places where the wonders of the night sky can still be seen. In fact, two-thirds of the people in the United States will never see the Milky Way unless they travel to remote places like National Parks.

Click here for more information about the ecological and human health effects of light pollution.