Oct 10

SVO in early stages of construction…

The week of October 5 at the observatory site saw the installation of concrete footings and a retaining wall for the building that will house restrooms and store our many portable telescopes. Concrete footings were also poured for the shade/birdwatching pavilion. Quite exciting for the members of the SVO team who have been looking after […]

Sep 14

Stellar Vista Observatory Now Under Construction!

Starting today, we’ll post a weekly photograph and comment to illustrate and document the progress in construction of Kanab Utah’s new educational astronomical observatory. Ground breaking for the Stellar Vista Observatory facilities took place on April 11, 2026 with fifty community members including Kane County commissioners and our state representative in attendance. We are pleased […]

Mar 4

SVO’s 2025 Year in Review

2025 was a wonderful year! We shared the sky with over 3000 people, deepened relationships with our community, and made meaningful and exciting progress on observatory construction. Read below for more details!

Nov 4

Connecting to Our Heritage & Each Other Under the Night Sky

On Thursday evening, 27 community members gathered at the Kanab City Library to hear Dr. Troy Allan of Utah State University deliver an inspiring talk titled “Through the Lens, Beyond the Stars,” part of Stellar Vista Observatory’s ongoing SVO Speaker Series. Dr. Allan began with a deeply personal story. He joined the military in August […]

Oct 27

Awe, Wellness And The Vanishing Night

By Rich Csenge On Thursday, October 30, 2025, beginning at 7:00 pm, Kanab’s Stellar Vista Observatory will host Utah State University Assistant Professor Dr. Troy Allan, speaking in the Kanab City Library Community Room. The presentation is free and open to all. Troy Allan, Ed,D, MFA, is an Assistant Professor with Utah State University Extension, […]

Sep 24

2025 Kanab Electoral Candidate Survey Results

Stellar Vista Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We do not support or oppose any candidate for public office. The responses below are for informational purposes only and were solicited equally from all registered candidates. Disclosure: City Council candidate David Lane is a member of the Stellar Vista Observatory board of directors. Here is the […]

Sep 10

Explore the Night Sky with SVO in September!

Stellar Vista Observatory (SVO) 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. The series begins on Friday, September 12, with a public star party at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park […]

Aug 1

August Moon, Stars, Meteors, and Planets!

Celestial viewing opportunities abound in mid-August. Two free public observing sessions hosted by Kanab’s Stellar Vista Observatory (SVO) are coming your way on August 11 and 12. One occurs in the morning, and the other takes place in the evening. Here’s how to participate. Consider starting your August 11 work week with the refreshing inspiration […]

Aug 1

Seasons of the Solar System

An artist's rendition of Mars’ orbit around the Sun, and its seasons. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Here on Earth, we undergo a changing of seasons every three months. Butwhat about the rest of the Solar System? What does a sunny day on Marslook like? How long would a winter on Neptune be? Let’s take a tour ofsome other planets and ask ourselves what seasons might look like there. Martian Autumn Although […]