Cedar Breaks National Monument celebrates dark sky designation

Cedar Breaks National Monument east of Parowan will be celebrating its designation as the 16th International Dark Sky Park with a special event on March 18.

The designation means that there is little light pollution in the park area, allowing visitors to appreciate stars that seem to shine extra-bright without the "sky glow" in more populated areas.

The public event begins at 7 p.m. with a short talk about the significance of this designation followed by telescope viewing until 10 p.m.

The night will conclude with star stories and laser guide tours of the constellations by regional astronomy experts and National Park Service rangers.

The national monument will provide warm beverages and other indoor activities throughout the night.

Cedar Breaks is the first park in southwestern Utah to earn the prestigious international dark sky designation.