Cedar Breaks hosts Southwest Astronomy Festival
Sep 14, 2024, 3:30 PM | Updated: 3:30 pm
A long exposure photo of the night sky. (National Park Service)
(National Park Service)
CEDAR CITY, Utah — The 2024 Southwest Astronomy Festival will be held in Cedar Breaks National Monument from September 20th-22nd.
The festival is open to the public and aims to “highlight the amazing dark night sky in and around Southwestern Utah,” according to a press release.
The event features stargazing, solar viewings, and a portable planetarium, among other activities. Events will continue during both day and night through the duration of the festival.
Those interested in attending can find a full schedule on the National Park Service website.
An astrophotography workshop will also be available by reservation.
Cedar Breaks is a uniquely good place for stargazing, as it is a designated Dark Sky Park. Dark sky parks are given legal protections against light pollution, allowing for excellent views of the night sky.
According to the National Park Service, national parks and monuments are designated dark sky areas to “provide unparalleled opportunities for the public to experience the grandeur of the cosmos.”
