POWER Star

Nighttime at Under Canvas brings out a sight few of us see anymore: the Milky Way and a sky bursting with billions of stars. The dark skies at our camps are the perfect spots to learn the art of stargazing.

Did you know that 80% of Americans cannot see the Milky Way from where they live? Light pollution from cities causes “sky glow” and can extend great distances. In addition to erasing our view of the stars, high levels of light pollution also harm wildlife, waste energy, and disrupt our sleep. When you stay at Under Canvas, you have the opportunity to see the dark night sky in a different light. At our Bryce Canyon, Moab, Grand Canyon, and Zion locations—Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks are all certified Dark Sky Parks—you don’t need a telescope to spot constellations and revel in the sky’s brightest stars.

Under Canvas is committed to doing our part to reduce light pollution by following guidance from the International Dark-Sky Association, which has been focused on protecting the night from light pollution since 1988. By pointing lights down, eliminating glare, dimming and turning lights off when not needed, and choosing warmer-color light, we are protecting the nighttime environment, ensuring the safety of our guests, and helping you reconnect with the night. Follow these steps when you return home to continue doing your part to turn down light pollution and turn up the stars. Learn more at DarkSky.org.

ROOTED IN NATURE:

Every Full Moon has a name that is rooted in nature. The moon phase names we use today often reflect the changing seasons and surrounding environment, including the Harvest Moon in September/October, Strawberry Moon in June, and Pink Moon in April (inspired by the pink flowers that bloom in the early-spring season).

The Full Moon is great for night hiking while the New Moon is great for stargazing!

What To Look Up For In 2023

 GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE OCTOBER 14

A total solar eclipse visible across much of North America, the Great American Eclipse will be particularly beautiful in the Southwest desert region. Because it will not completely cover the sun, it will create a stunning “ring of fire” around the moon.

 PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE OCTOBER 28

Visible over Europe and most of Asia and Africa; will be seen rising over the extreme eastern Americas and setting over Australia.

 FULL MOON, SUPERMOON JULY 3

The moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the sun and its face will be fully illuminated. Near its closest approach to the Earth, the moon may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.