Stargazing Zion has officially opened its fifth season, welcoming locals and visitors alike under some of the darkest skies in the country. As spring settles into Southern Utah, May is shaping up to be one of the most compelling months of the year to look up, with a full lineup of celestial events visible just outside Zion National Park.
The month begins May 1 with the Flower Moon, appearing as a subtle micro moon, followed by asteroid Vesta reaching opposition May 2, when it shines at its brightest. The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower peaks May 6–7, sending fast-moving meteors across the sky—remnants of Halley’s Comet. A super new moon on May 16 creates ideal dark-sky conditions for viewing distant galaxies and nebulae, while Venus dominates the evening sky in the latter half of the month, with notable pairings on May 18 and May 20. May wraps up with a rare blue moon on May 31, also a micro moon.
At Stargazing Zion, these cosmic moments are brought down to earth through nightly guided programs that blend storytelling, constellation tours, and both digital and optical telescope viewing. The experience is designed to be approachable and immersive, with guests relaxing into bean bags, wrapped in blankets, and sipping warm beverages while exploring the night sky.
Each two-hour tour includes a planetary walk, a guided constellation tour using high-powered lasers, and multiple rounds of telescope viewing. Guests also receive post-tour images, offering a lasting takeaway from the experience. With small group sizes and high demand, especially in May and June, advance booking is strongly recommended.
A Dark Sky Worth Protecting
Part of what makes the experience so special is the region’s pristine darkness, something Stargazing Zion encourages guests to help preserve. Simple practices—turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, using warm, low-intensity bulbs, and opting for red light at night—can help maintain these skies for future generations.
Now in its fifth season, Stargazing Zion continues its mission of making astronomy accessible while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. Nightly tours are available just outside Zion National Park. Reservations can be made at stargazingzion.com or by calling 435-919-3976.
