Cedar Breaks National Monument to host star parties

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT — As darkness falls on Cedar Breaks National Monument, a celestial light illuminates the night and transforms the sky into a place of starry wonder.

At an elevation of 10,000 feet, with minimal city light interference and generally clear night skies, Cedar Breaks is a premier location for night sky viewing. In celebration of this, Cedar Breaks is throwing a series of star parties.

The free events get under way at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Monday. Other star parties are planned for Aug. 7, 9 and 11 and Sept. 6, 8 and 10.

Hosted by Cedar Breaks park staff and astronomy volunteers, the star parties will include a presentation at the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center on the Point Supreme overlook.

Weather permitting, the presentation will be followed by guided viewing of the night sky. The park will have several large telescopes available until 11 p.m. Visitors also are welcome to bring along their own telescopes.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is located 23 miles east of Cedar City, via state Routes 14 and 148. For updated events and activities, program offerings and other park information, call the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center at 435-586-0787, ext. 4031, or the monument's administrative office at 435-586-9451.