Stellar Vista Observatory hosted a series of events throughout Kanab in October to bring astronomy, science, and poetry to students, residents, and visitors. These activities included telescope viewings and classroom sessions designed to share the wonders of the universe with people of all ages.
The month's events began on October 2 at Jacob Hamblin Park, where Stellar Vista Observatory's Night Sky Interpreters welcomed more than 75 runners, including locals participating in the Trailfest ultradistance event. This event marked the fifth year of a partnership between the observatory and Vacation Races for its annual Grand Circle race, which attracts trail runners from across the country to experience the landscapes and star-filled skies of southern Utah.
On October 14, approximately 80 Kanab Elementary sixth-graders, along with family members and friends, gathered at Dark Sky RV Campground for a stargazing night organized by teacher Tyree Baird. Building on classroom lessons regarding the Sun-Earth-Moon system, students used telescopes to observe the planet Saturn, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules Globular Cluster, and the waxing crescent Moon.
Astronomy activities also integrated creative arts and science talks. On October 21, volunteer Eric Sims visited Jeff Corry’s sixth-grade language arts classes at Kanab Elementary, where students explored haiku writing and composed their own poems. That same evening, professional astronomer and Stellar Vista Observatory Advisory committee member Dr. Colin Littlefield gave a free Curious Cosmos science talk at the Kanab City Library. His presentation to an audience of 25 focused on the Crab Nebula in the Taurus constellation, a supernova remnant from the year 1054 that is illuminated by a neutron star or pulsar.
On October 26, Stellar Vista Observatory volunteers participated in the annual second-grade Moon Night organized by teacher Jeana Jones. Students and families met at Kanab Elementary School to observe the Moon and Saturn through telescopes to bring classroom learning to life.
Stellar Vista Observatory provides opportunities for people to observe, appreciate, and comprehend the starry skies of southern Utah.
The next free public star party is scheduled for Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m. at Jackson Flat Reservoir. The event will coincide with the peak of the Taurids meteor shower and will offer views of Saturn’s rings through the observatory's telescopes.
