Bryce Canyon Astronomy
While geology buffs may flock to Bryce Canyon National Park to enjoy the red cliffs and wondrous human-like spires and hoodoos that make the natural amphitheaters so captivating, many stargazers also make a pilgrimage to Bryce Canyon as well. Since both types of visitors seek to enjoy nature’s beauty, all are welcome here to enjoy the majesty of the area whether it is on the ground or the celestial heavens.
The reason why Bryce Canyon National Park is an excellent stargazing spot is because it is located so far away from city lights. This distance from cities not only dispels the influence of light pollution, it also places the park away from other types of pollution that would create haze blurring the view. Thus, the clean mountain air makes this an ideal spot for astronomy because of great sky views.
The national park maintains a staff of rangers and volunteers who fascinated in astronomy so that they can give detailed presentations. Such presentations are available from May to September on Tuesday and Saturday evenings. Several weekly night hikes are led during weeks with a full moon. In fact, each year during late June and early July an Astronomy Festival celebrates the New Moon. This festival brings nightly presentations and hikes along with programs, expert led telescope sessions, and workshops that are sponsored by the national park. Topics vary from buying the right telescope to involving children in astronomy.
Bryce Canyon National Park’s astronomy activities have captured the attention of the national media. An example of this is a mid-2006 issue of Science magazine highlights an academic study about darkness that occurred in this national park. Further, millions of regular tourists visit here each year to enjoy the landscape and sky views.
To find out more about astronomy events in Bryce Canyon National Park call (435) 834-5322
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