Star Soiree

When people consider all of the wonderful activities Park City has to offer, astronomy usually isn’t one of them. Thanks to Utah Skies co-founders Anthony Arrigo and Don Brown, however, star gazing can be added to the list of unique things to do in town.

Anthony, a software engineer, was camping in the High Uintas years ago when he noticed a meteor fireball streak across the night sky. That was all it took to keep him looking skyward each time he went camping. From there, he began an astronomical quest with a pair of simple binoculars. Over time, the binoculars were upgraded to a small telescope, then to a larger one, and an even larger one. Now Anthony’s telescope stands at about 11 feet tall—quite an improvement from the early days of binoculars!

Anthony got together with his friend Don, a systems engineer, and started Utah Skies to “share our love for astronomy with as many people as we can,” said Anthony. “We’ve seen so many amazing things in the night sky, and we feel the need to share them with others.” (And now they have a good excuse to get larger telescopes).

Highlighting the Utah Skies organization are regular (and free!) star parties. During the warm summer months, events are held at Trailside Park. Local astronomers with all sorts of viewing equipment show up to share their love for and knowledge of our local skies with anyone who happens upon their telescopes.

Winter star viewing hadn’t been on Utah Skies’ list of events until now. Utah Skies and Swaner Nature Preserve have teamed up to bring winter star parties to interested star gazers of all abilities. What started out as full moon snowshoe treks through the preserve have turned into full-blown astronomical parties. Some nights, events will be held under the full moon, allowing for great lunar observations. Other evenings, when the moon is “new,” the faint objects that can be seen only in the winter sky will be the focus. Along with star gazing on crisp winter nights, these parties also offer the opportunity for staffers at Swaner to share their message of conservation and for Utah Skies staff to educate the public on light pollution.

To learn more about Utah Skies and the astronomical opportunities up above, listen to Anthony Friday mornings at 7:15 a.m. on KPCW (91.9 FM) or watch him Fridays on PCTV at 7:30 a.m.

View Utah Skies’ fabulous Web site at www.utahskies.org.

For a full schedule of winter events, to see great photos of what’s new skyward, to become a member, and/or to receive their weekly newsletter.