St. George Astronomy Group (SGAG)

St. George Astronomy Group

The St. George Astronomy Group (SGAG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit astronomy club in Southern Utah. It holds free public star parties at sites around the area, such as Snow Canyon State Park, and supports dark-sky advocacy. The club's coordinators include Joy Kohl, Donald Warner and Eric Olmstead. For event dates, see SGAG.club or email events@SGAG.club.

Stargazing in Southern Utah

Southern Utah has some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S. Zion, Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks are certified International Dark Sky Parks, and the open desert around St. George gets dark quickly once you leave city lights. Star parties let newcomers look through members' telescopes and learn what to look for, with no equipment needed.

Attending a Star Party

Arrive before full dark, park with your headlights off as you approach, and bring a red flashlight rather than a white one so you don't spoil everyone's night vision. Desert nights cool off fast, even in summer, so bring a layer. New moon weekends are usually the best viewing.

More Stargazing

See our St. George stargazing guide for dark-sky spots around the region.