THINGS WERE LOOKING UP AT SUMMER STARGAZING EVENT

It was a dazzling night to remember when Southern Highlands residents came together at Stonewater Park for an exciting evening of Stargazing with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society (LVAS).

In addition to the sky-watching, families safely gathered in person and enjoyed picnicking and field games that were hosted by Celebrate Kids.

The free, family-friendly event was hosted in tandem with LVAS, a nonprofit organization of amateur astronomers formed to promote astronomy in Southern Nevada. In further support of the impactful organization, the Southern Highlands Community Association made a $2,000 donation.

Using about a dozen telescopes, strategically arranged throughout the park and aimed at specific and noteworthy stars and constellations, LVAS volunteers assisted visitors and answered questions about a wide variety of celestial events. The highlight of the stargazing event was the guided tour through the night sky led by Keith Caceres, president of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Caceres and his team used a powerful, high-tech laser pointer to further showcase and explain interesting elements in the night sky.

Some highlights of the sky tour included the moon, the planet Venus and prominent constellations and stars visible in the sky on that night, including Orion, Ursa Major (The Big Bear, containing The Big Dipper), and Ursa Minor (The Little Bear, containing The North Star and The Little Dipper.)

Prev

1of19

Next