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A Year of Stargazing
Stargazing in Utah's Canyonlands National Park

Whether sunset finds you gazing heavenward on a crisp September evening or a balmy April night, stargazing is an experience you can look forward to all year round. Kick back around the campfire and identify the constellations. Drag a chair outside and experience a solar eclipse. Lie out on the roof and catch a meteor shower. Whatever you do, take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders above, the twinkling light that's traveled millions of miles to reach your eyes.

For the stories behind the stars and the knowledge to figure out what you're seeing, check out these seasonal stargazing primers and sky maps.

Spring - Sky Map Summer - Sky Map
Fall - Sky Map Winter - Sky Map

Stargazing Highlights

Milky WayLate Summer and Autumn Events
Spot elusive planets and catch an eclipse if you can.

Fall and Winter Events
Planets rise, meteors shower, and on Christmas, the sun disappears.

Heavens Above
An introduction to astronomy for your little rising stars.

Take a Closer Look

Binocular Stargazing
Pick out the best pair for your neck of the woods and take a closer look at the cosmos.

Gear Up
The GORPgear store has the binoculars you need to be ready for nightfall.

Phil Harrington, Astronomer

Phil HarringtonAn ardent amateur astronomer and author, Philip Harrington is a former staff member of New York City's Hayden Planetarium and instructor at the Vanderbilt Planetarium. He currently teaches astronomy courses at Suffolk County Community College.

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[from Outside magazine]