ST. GEORGE — If you’re looking to escape the city lights and indulge in astronomic conversations, plan on a trip to Springdale this Thursday evening.
Stargazers are invited to attend a telescope and lecture party this Thursday in Springdale at the Canyon Community Center at 126 Lion Blvd. Cameron Pace, an assistant physics professor at Southern Utah University, will bring telescopes and a portable planetarium and share his expertise with attendees.
“I’m planning on coming down to Springdale Thursday with some telescopes,” he said. “We won’t be able to see the stars until 9 p.m., cursed daylight saving.”
As long as no clouds slide in to obscure the night sky, viewers will have an opportunity to observe winter/spring highlights, including the Orion Nebula and the Praesepe, also known as the Beehive Cluster. Star clusters in Gemini, Auriga and Canis Major may also be observed, Pace said.
Ryan Gubler, director for Springdale Parks and Recreation, said even if clouds are present, there will still be the lecture part of the program.
“That will be our backup plan and we’ll determine that as we get closer to Thursday night,” Gubler said. “We are very lucky to have Professor Pace so close and that he’s willing to participate in these activities. He’s been a great partner.”
Pace works with the Ashcroft Observatory on the SUU campus in Cedar City. Most Monday evenings, the observatory offers the public opportunities to learn about constellations or view parts of distant galaxies.
Activities at the observatory usually begin at sunset, though weather conditions may affect the schedule. Before making a trip to the observatory, visit the Ashcroft Observatory Facebook page to confirm they are open. Upcoming activities hosted by the observatory can also be found on their Facebook page.
According to the International Dark Sky Association, Springdale is on the verge of having the Dark Sky Community Designation.
Night sky certification requires communities to be proactive and persistent in protecting the night sky. According to the International Dark Sky Association website, when the policies, promotion and education happen, it improves night sky quality.
For those looking to rent a telescope for a solo viewing of the stars, check with your local library, as telescopes may be checked out from any one of the branch libraries in the Washington County Library System. In 2019, the St. George Astronomy Group donated the 10th and newest telescope to the Washington City Branch Library.
According to the library system website, telescopes can be checked out for a week, and there is a late fee of $5 per day. Telescopes must be returned to their library of origin.
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