Mar 26

Sky Report: March 27 – April 2

I wrote that we’ll lose Jupiter before March ends, and for practical purposes that is true, but Jupiter is in a close conjunction with Mercury on the 27th and that may prompt people who enjoy a challenge to break out the binoculars and try to see it. Jupiter has been sinking in the west, setting […]

Mar 19

Sky Report: March 20 – 26

There are two bright “major” planets in the sky tonight, and they’re trivial to see, plus one “minor” planet that you can see with a pair of binoculars (which every stargazer must have!) or any telescope and add it to your list of solar system conquests. Here’s how to find them. The two major planets […]

Mar 13

Planets and Stars of the Spring Sky

As we look ahead to the passage of an unusually cold and wet winter, amateur astronomers with Kanab’s Stellar Vista Observatory (SVO) are optimistic about the sky conditions for the next observing event in their 2023 series of free public star parties. If you love the night sky glittering with stars, seeing them through the […]

Mar 13

Sky Report: March 13 – 19

Stellar Vista Observatory Sky Report John Mosley March 13 – 19 The Sky Report is presented as a public service by the Stellar Vista Observatory, a non­profit organization based in Kanab, Utah, which provides opportunities for people to observe, appreciate, and comprehend our starry night sky. Additional information is at www.stellarvistaobservatory.org. Send questions and comments […]

Mar 4

Sky Report: March 6 – 12

Stellar Vista Observatory Sky Report John Mosley March 6 – 12 The Sky Report is presented as a public service by the Stellar Vista Observatory, a non­profit organization based in Kanab, Utah, which provides opportunities for people to observe, appreciate, and comprehend our starry night sky. Additional information is at www.stellarvistaobservatory.org. Send questions and comments […]

Feb 25

Sky Report: February 27 – March 5

We’ve had a string of wonderful conjunctions recently, all in the evening sky, and you could be forgiven for thinking that nice conjunctions are common and no big deal. But we’ve had the three brightest planets in the evening sky plus Saturn, so conjunctions were inevitable. But that’s ending. There are two conjunctions this week […]

Feb 21

Storm Advisory!

Tonight’s Public Star Party at Jackson Flat Reservoir Boar Launch Parking Area (Tuesday, February 21) is likely to be brief due to an oncoming storm forecasting high winds and cloud cover although an 80% chance exists for at least a window of clear sky between 7:00 and 8:00 o’clock. We’ll be there ready to begin […]

Feb 19

Sky Report: February 20 – 26

This week and next there is a lot of action between the moon and planets because the three brightest planets are all in the evening sky and the moon passes each in turn – plus a wonderful planetary conjunction is coming up. These two weeks have more great conjunctions than is reasonable to expect, so […]

Feb 15

Venus, the Moon & Mars with Jupiter Nearby: Finding Perspective in the Night Sky

Two Evenings with Kanab’s Stellar Vista Observatory: Tuesday, February 21 AND Monday, February 27 Perspective in life is so important. The earlier one can develop it, the more likely one can recognize opportunities embedded within the challenges our daily lives. Indeed, its so easy to lose awareness of our unique position as sentient beings living […]

Feb 15

Indigenous Perspectives – Leave No Trace

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023: Indigenous Perspectives and Dark Sky Leave No Trace Principles with Autumn Gillard and Stellar Vista Observatory7 p.m. – 10 p.m., meet @ BLM Kanab Visitor Center, carpool/caravan to Ponderosa Grove campground. Join Autumn Gillard, who is a maternal descendant of the Cedar Band of Paiutes from the Paiute Indian Tribe of […]