Saturday, May 30, 2026
Astronomy Evenings at Mount Lemmon Lodge
As the sun lingers a little longer over the Catalina Mountains, the reward is a night sky that reveals some of the most captivating celestial sights of the year.
Join us for a guided astronomy experience led by Zane Landers, an experienced astronomer and night-sky guide. This immersive evening begins indoors with an engaging presentation that sets the stage…introducing guests to what will unfold overhead as darkness gradually settles across the mountain.
As twilight fades, guests will transition outdoors where the experience becomes fully hands-on. Watch as the night sky comes to life, first with early observations and telescope setup, then expanding into a guided journey through the cosmos.
From the Lodge’s naturally dark setting, guests will explore seasonal highlights including star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and the rising summer Milky Way—an especially striking sight from Mount Lemmon’s elevation. Live narration throughout the evening brings context and clarity to what you’re seeing, making the experience both accessible and memorable.
Each evening offers a slightly different celestial lineup:
- May 30: A near-full Moon will shape the evening’s viewing, with a focus on bright star clusters, double stars, and select features within the northern Milky Way.
- June 6: With darker skies and minimal moonlight, this evening opens up a broader view of the summer Milky Way, including nebulae and a richer array of deep-sky objects. A close visual pairing of Jupiter and Venus may also be visible shortly after sunset.
This is a relaxed, small-group experience designed to give guests time to engage, ask questions, and truly take in the night sky.
Event Details
Dates:
Saturday, May 30
Saturday, June 6
Evening Format:
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Indoor astronomy presentation
- ~8:15 PM – 10:00 PM: Outdoor guided telescope viewing
Duration:
Approximately 2.5–3 hours total
Location:
Indoor presentation at the Lodge, followed by stargazing in the garden north of the Lodge (weather permitting)
Capacity:
Limited to 20 guests
Eligibility:
Overnight Lodge guests only
Age Requirement:
Ages 7 and up
Price:
$45 per person
