Stargazing in Utah: Zion's Night Sky in August
- Matthias Schmitt
- Aug 2, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 2
With the summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to grab a cozy chair and experience the breathtaking night skies of Zion National Park. Stargazing in Zion is an unforgettable experience, offering some of the darkest skies in the country, perfect for viewing celestial wonders. Whether you're looking for the best spots for stargazing in Zion, planning a stargazing tour in Zion, or simply wondering what to do in Zion at night, there's something magical waiting for you above.
Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid Meteor Shower is a must-see summer event, peaking this year on August 13th. As Earth travels through a debris field left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, the sky will come alive with up to 100 meteors per hour. With minimal moonlight interference, this will be one of the best stargazing events in Zion this summer. For the best experience, head to locations like Kolob Canyons, Lava Point, or the Canyon Junction Bridge for incredible views away from light pollution.

Source: Stellarium
Supermoons in Utah: Two Supermoons in One Month
This month will feature two stunning supermoons—one on August 1st and another on August 31st. The August full moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, will appear larger and brighter due to its close proximity to Earth. The second full moon of the month, known as a Blue Moon, will add another spectacular celestial event to Zion's night sky. Watching a supermoon rise over Zion’s red rock formations is a mesmerizing experience you won’t

Image Credit: Matthias Schmitt
Saturn: The Ringed Giant
August is also a fantastic time to see Saturn in all its glory. Visible around 11:30 PM MT, Saturn will reach opposition on August 27, making it the brightest it will be all year. A telescope will reveal the planet's iconic rings, making this a highlight for any stargazing enthusiast in Utah.
The Summer Triangle: Zion Stargazing
The Summer Triangle is one of the easiest and most stunning asterisms to observe in the Zion night sky. It consists of three bright stars forming a large triangle in the eastern sky around 9 PM MT:
Vega in the constellation Lyra (The Harp)
Deneb in the constellation Cygnus (The Swan)
Altair in the constellation Aquila (The Eagle)
Spotting the Summer Triangle is a great way to begin your stargazing journey in Zion's night sky in August. It serves as a guide to finding other celestial objects and will help you locate other stars and constellations in the sky.

Source: Stellarium
Stargazing Tours in Zion & Zion's Night Sky in August
Want to make the most of your stargazing experience? Consider booking a guided stargazing tour in Zion with Stargazing Zion. Our expert guides will take you to the best locations, provide high-quality telescopes, and share fascinating insights about the cosmos. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stargazer, a guided tour will enhance your appreciation of the universe.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night under the stars—book your stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion today and enjoy stargazing this August!
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