Bryce Canyon Country Astronomy

The red cliffs and impressive amphitheaters full of human-like spires are not the only scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park. At night when the landscape is masked by darkness, visitors enjoy looking up towards the sky. Thus, geology buffs are replaced by astronomers. Since everyone comes to enjoy the beauty of the area – both on the earth and in the heavens – all are welcome and share a collective desire to appreciate nature’s majesty.

Due to the fact that Bryce Canyon National Park has clean mountain air and is located far away from city lights, stargazers enjoy great sky views in the park. The minimal “light pollution” enables astronomers and novices to see more stars and sites of the heavens. Bryce Canyon National Park staffs rangers and volunteers who are qualified to give detailed astronomy presentations, and these presentation occur on Wednesday and Friday evenings between May and September. During weeks with a full moon, night hikes are run several days around the full moon.

One of the main highlights during the summer season in Bryce is the Astronomy Festival that celebrates the New Moon that happens in late June or early July each year. During the festival rangers conduct nightly presentations and night hikes. The national park also offers other programs and workshops; they focus on topics like selecting and operating telescopes and involving the entire family in astronomy. Experts also lead telescope viewing sessions throughout the festival.

Astronomy research and activities in Bryce Canyon National Park have garnered national media attention. For instance, in mid-2006 Science magazine will highlight the study of darkness conducted in the national park. Besides this attention, the park also attracts millions of visitors a year who are attracted here to see the landscape. However, many of them also enjoy looking up to the sky.

To find out more about astronomy in Bryce Canyon National Park call (435)834-5322 or visit www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm.