Astronomy Event: Crescent Moon, Saturn & Autumn Galaxies
Crescent Moon, Saturn & Autumn Galaxies
Saturday, November 14, 2026
7:00–10:00 PM
Mount Lemmon Lodge
The evening begins close to home, then travels millions of light-years into the autumn sky.
Join astronomer, telescope maker and night-sky guide Zane Landers for an intimate evening of stargazing at Mount Lemmon Lodge. Shortly after sunset, a slender crescent Moon hangs low in the western sky, offering striking telescope views of lunar craters, ridges and shadows along the boundary between light and darkness.
Then we turn toward Saturn, where a large 14.7-inch telescope will reveal the planet’s unmistakable rings and, conditions permitting, some of its brightest moons.
As the Moon sinks toward the horizon and sets around 9:45 PM, the autumn sky takes over.
We’ll journey beyond our Solar System to the Andromeda Galaxy and neighboring Triangulum Galaxy, two members of our Local Group of galaxies. We’ll also explore the glittering Double Cluster and watch the Pleiades—one of the most recognizable star clusters in the night sky—climb higher in the east.
Throughout the evening, Zane will guide guests through the constellations and use analog night-vision technology to reveal celestial objects and structure that can be difficult to see with the unaided eye.
What you’ll experience:
- A slim crescent Moon and its cratered landscape
- Saturn and its rings
- The Andromeda Galaxy
- The Triangulum Galaxy
- The Double Cluster
- The Pleiades
- A guided tour of the autumn constellations
- Views through a large 14.7-inch telescope
- Analog night-vision astronomy
This is a relaxed, small-group experience with plenty of time to look through the telescope, ask questions and experience the night sky from 7,700 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Binoculars will also be available, and guests are welcome to bring their own.
Space is limited, and advance reservations are recommended.
November evenings on Mount Lemmon can be quite cold, so please dress warmly and bring layers. To help preserve everyone’s night vision, please avoid bright white flashlights and phone lights during observing.
Astronomical observations are weather-dependent, and specific celestial targets may change based on viewing conditions.
