Fourth Astrofest to highlight southeastern Utah’s dark skies
May 28, 2025, 4:16 PM | Updated: 4:48 pm
The Milky Way above Delicate Arch. The fourth-annual Astrofest will highlight southeastern Utah dark skies in June 2025. (Jacob W. Frank via National Park Service)
(Jacob W. Frank via National Park Service)
MOAB — State and national parks will celebrate southeastern Utah dark skies with Astrofest, a series of day and nighttime events focused on the state’s famous dark-sky views of the cosmos.
Nightly, between June 20 and 22, astronomy events will take place at different parks:
- June 20, Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District
- June 21, Dead Horse Point State Park
- June 22, Arches National Park
The night sky is visible over Dead Horse Point State Park on July 26, 2017. (Sandra Salvas via Visit Utah)
According to the National Park Service website, park rangers will lead activities at locations “throughout the parks.” They haven’t specified locations, yet, however, they said events will include telescope viewing.
In a post on X, Arches National Park referred to the fourth annual event as a “cosmic celebration.”
🌟 Join us for the 4th Annual Southeast Utah AstroFest on June 20-22! It’s going to be a cosmic celebration at Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Arches National Park! 🌌🔭
Details can be found here: https://t.co/wHsaE99BOj pic.twitter.com/ctz8Rk5ZqG
— Arches National Park (@ArchesNPS) May 27, 2025
Planning a visit? Make the most of Astrofest
The National Park Service website discourages guests from bringing their pets to the event. They are not allowed in the areas where activities will take place and leaving them in the car is not an option.
Additionally, they advised checking the weather ahead of time and arriving early to secure a spot. Parking and nearby campsites may fill up during Astrofest—planning a backup location will be helpful in the event that your first-choice spot fills up.
The Milky Way appears over Grand View Point in Canyonlands National Parks’ Island in the Sky District. A moonset can also be seen in the distance. (Chris Wonderly via National Park Service)
Astrofest is free, but park entry fees apply.
When can I see the Milky Way in Utah?
Utah dark skies are world-renowned for offering clear views of the stars, the moon, and the Milky Way galaxy.
According to Discover Moab, the best time of year to view the Milky Way is between March and Nov. However, specific viewing windows in a 24-hour period change throughout the months.
For example, between March and May, the galaxy’s core is most visible a few hours prior to sunrise. Later, between June and Aug., it becomes more viewable anytime following sunset.
Regardless of when or where you choose to appreciate Utah’s dark skies, you will need to take a few steps to prepare. First, ensure your eyes have 20-30 minutes to adjust to nighttime conditions. After driving to a spot with your headlights on, ensure they are powered off along with your vehicle. Avoid using your cell phone or any other light source while your eyes adjust.
If you need to use a flashlight, opt for one that emits red light, which can help preserve your night vision. When photographing the night sky with a DSLR camera, turn off the screen to prevent light from disrupting night vision. Similarly, if you’ll be capturing it on a smartphone, dim the screen as far as possible.
Dress in warm, reflective clothing to ensure you remain comfortable and visible after the sun goes down.
Why are Utah dark skies so important?
The nighttime sky is a stunning sight that also plays a vital role in the environment below.
DarkSky Colorado said nighttime “has immeasurable value to public health … [and] nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems.”
Animals rely on light cycles for basic life functions
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said approximately half of earth’s species are nocturnal, meaning they are active after the sun sets. They rely on darkness to perform basic life functions, such as nesting, avoiding predators, and navigation.
Artificial light, like that omitted by cities, can disorient these species. For example, Fish and Wildlife said sea turtle hatchlings rely on the ocean’s nighttime sparkle. Bright beach lights can attract them to the wrong place, guiding them farther from their home.
“Research into the ecological consequences of artificial night lighting is revealing numerous connections between light pollution and species disruption,” wrote the FWS on its website.
Darkness plays a powerful role in our lives
Do you ever find yourself getting tired once the sun goes down? Light helps our bodies regulate our sleep schedules through a 24-hour process known as the circadian rhythm. When we’re exposed to light, our brains are signaled to wake, and in the absence of it, they release melatonin, signaling it’s time to sleep.
According to the Sleep Foundation, artificial light can cause our circadian rhythms to become unaligned with the sun’s rising and setting patterns. To counteract the effects of interior lighting, experts recommend discontinuing electronic device use at least an hour before bedtime. Additionally, low levels of light containing red, orange, and yellow hues are more conducive to sleep. They emulate the same tones as sunset.
More on enjoying Utah’s dark skies: Lyrid meteor shower to peak on April 21. Consider viewing from these Utah locations
