A nonprofit educational astronomical observatory will deliver wide ranging benefits to the rural towns and cities of Kane County, Utah. The County’s unique location, far away from the state’s largest cities and surrounded by national and state parks, national forests, monuments and public lands, affords visitors and residents some of the best dark sky resources in the lower 48 states! Among those benefits are:

  • Community Enhancement
  • Educational Opportunities
  • Expanded Economic Activity

Community Enhancement

At its new facility, Stellar Vista Observatory will provide thrilling night time activities inspiring thousands of people of all ages, while enhancing community pride and distinction.

Nighttime Activities

  • Year-round public star parties
  • Private night sky experiences
  • Scheduled lecture series

Community Pride

  • Dark sky destination
  • Venue for receptions and family reunions
  • Largest public observatory within 200 miles

Inspiration

  • Increase awareness and appreciation for the inestimable value of a star-filled sky
  • Make Kanab, Utah, a destination city for night sky appreciation

Educational Opportunities

SVO will offer learning activities for residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, collaborate with local schools and colleges in science, language arts and extracurricular programs; host star parties for a variety of interest groups including family reunions and weddings; and utilize traditional astronomy stories and concepts along with the most up-to-date scientific information to provide educational entertainment for the general public.

Intended learning outcomes for Stellar Vista Observatory in science and language arts include facilitating scientific process and thinking skills, manifesting interest and shaping attitudes toward cultural awareness, understanding important concepts and principles, communicating effectively using language and reasoning and demonstrating awareness of the social and historical aspects of science.

Stimulate Interest in Science

  • Affordable, exciting K thru 12 field trip destination
  • After school and summer programs for youth

Hands on Training

  • Gain experience operating telescopes
  • Increase understanding of planets, constellations, and deep sky objects
  • Stimulate insights and interest in physics and astronomy

Tools for Educators

  • Teacher training in astronomy
  • Telescopes and a classroom for science in the field
  • Partnering to enhance college level physics courses

Expanded Tourism

Astro-tourism is a fast growing subset of the international tourism industry. Studies show that more than 80% of the world’s population lives under light polluted skies. Twenty three certified state and national Dark Sky Parks are scattered across Utah; the greatest concentration of dark sky places anywhere! SVO will invigorate area businesses by providing an entirely new range of nighttime learning and discovery for visitors to Kane County and the City of Kanab from across the Americas and around the world.

Increase Local Revenue

  • Kane County encircled by certified dark sky parks
  • Creates new reasons for visitors to experience Kane County, Utah
  • Night Sky activities require an overnight stay in the community

Year-round Astro-tourism

  • Four-season compatibility with mild winter weather
  • Steadily rising interest among visitors who cannot see the stars from where they live
  • Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the movement of planets create new celestial attractions each month