Milky Way and Rising Moon Astronomy event 8-1-26

Guided Astronomy at Mount Lemmon Lodge

Led by astronomer, telescope maker, and night-sky guide Zane Landers

As evening settles over the Santa Catalina Mountains, Mount Lemmon’s high-elevation skies begin to reveal a world far beyond the treetops. Join us for an intimate guided astronomy experience at Mount Lemmon Lodge, where guests will explore the night sky through a large-aperture telescope, binoculars, and specialized night-vision technology designed to reveal nebulae, star fields, and the structure of the Milky Way in remarkable detail.

Throughout the evening, Zane will provide live narration and guidance, making the experience approachable, educational, and memorable whether you’re a first-time stargazer or a longtime lover of the night sky. Guests may see a changing menu of celestial highlights, including ringed Saturn, the Moon’s craters and mountain ranges, brilliant star clusters, colorful double stars, and deep-sky wonders such as the Lagoon, Swan, and Veil nebulae, along with the Andromeda Galaxy when conditions allow.

Binoculars will be available for guests to scan the Milky Way, nebulae, and star clusters while waiting for telescope views. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars.

This is a relaxed, small-group experience designed to give guests time to look through the telescope, ask questions, and truly take in the mountain night.

Friday, August 1 at 7:30 PM

Summer Milky Way and a Rising Moon

Ease into the mountain evening with a guided tour of the summer sky as the Milky Way begins to emerge over Mount Lemmon. This session will focus on bright summer star fields, colorful double stars, star clusters, and deep-sky sights visible before moonrise.

As the Moon rises later in the evening, guests may also enjoy lunar views through the telescope, while night-vision technology helps keep nebulae and Milky Way structure visible even as the sky brightens. Weather and sky conditions permitting, Zane may also attempt a view of Comet 10P/Tempel 2.