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 […]

Nov 1

Building Your Stargazing Toolkit: Helpful Equipment for Hosting Star Parties

Essentials for an Unforgettable Night Under the Stars If your tour company is planning to launch stargazing experiences, you’re about to create something truly magical — moments your guests will remember forever. Whether your guides are brand new to astronomy or seasoned space enthusiasts, having the right tools (and a bit of background knowledge) makes […]

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 […]

Aug 1

Kane County Friends of the Night Sky Program is Growing!

Kane County Friends of the Night Sky

SVO’s Friends of the Night Sky Program was featured in the May/JuneSpotlight at Utah State University’s Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative.This innovative program is helping Kanab-area businesses preserve ouramazingly dark skies by advising them on dark-sky friendly outdoor lighting.Participating businesses undergo a lighting inventory conducted by an SVOrepresentative to identify ways they can improve their […]

Aug 1

2025 4-H Space Camp Roundup

Eric Sims, SVO Secretary, leads crater making activities Photo by Victoria Xiong, Kane County Extension

On May 28th, the local 4-H chapter held an all-day space camp event, and66 kids participated! SVO’s Eric Sims was there to teach about asteroids,meteors, and craters. In a hands-on activity, kids experimented withdropping rocks into flour and cocoa powder to see how craters form and canbe affected by the shape, angle, and speed of […]

Jan 23

Planetary Parade to Light Up the Sky

This January and February, the night sky will showcase a beautiful planetary alignment. This celestial phenomenon, often referred to as a “planetary parade,” will feature all seven of Earth’s neighboring planets visible at the same time in the sky. Throughout January and February, six planets will be visible in the night sky, and then on […]