See Mars, Jupiter & Saturn from Sedona, Arizona

11/05/2016 06:30

SEDONA, Ariz., May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Enjoy meeting your planetary neighbors – Mars, Jupiter and Saturn with its rings, and their moons – in the starry sky over Sedona, Arizona in May, June or July.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160510/365927

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Sedona Stargazing will be observing these three amazing planets "live" on all scheduled tours through powerful telescopes along with exciting commentary and interaction with professional astronomers wielding high-powered laser pointers. In the dazzling Sedona sky, stargazers will use our large telescopes to view awesome galaxies, star clusters, nebula, double stars, and other luminous objects.

The Sedona area is among the best night-sky-observing places in America. The town lacks "light pollution" and is designated an International Dark Sky City.

Mars is the second-smallest planet in the Solar System. It is referred to as the "Red Planet" because of its surface's iron oxide – the same material as Sedona's Red Rocks are made! Mars is a terrestrial planet with an atmosphere, valleys, deserts and polar ice caps.

Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System, consists primarily of dense gases, so what we observe is the tops of clouds high in its atmospheres. Jupiter has four large moons among the 63 known objects in its gravitational field.

Saturn is also mostly gases and the Solar System's second-largest planet. With its seven major surreal and beautiful rings (of rock, dust and ice), Saturn is unique and complicated among the planets. Saturn is orbited by 62 known moons.

Stargazing in Sedona can be therapeutic and inspirational. Nils Allen, a Sedona Stargazing astronomer, is convinced that "engaging with the broader universe and striving to appreciate it on many different levels has value – the kind that is mind-expanding and life-enriching."

Sedona Stargazing, LLC was inducted into TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame in 2015, and lauded by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 space-themed attractions in the U.S. It has been recommended as a must-see activity while visiting Sedona – by The New York Times ("a galaxy far, far away"), National Geographic ("look at the most distant thing you'll ever see in your life"), Frommers Guide ("how about a tour of the heavens?"), The Arizona Republic ("the rings of Saturn seem close enough to slip onto your fingers"), among other media.
Since 2004, journeys across Sedona's star-filled skies have been guided by Sedona Stargazing, www.eveningskytours.com; $60, $35 ages 6 to 12.

A Sedona stargazing tour includes an overview of the constellations in the night sky led by a knowledgeable and humorous astronomer – speaking in down-to-earth language, using a high-power laser pointer, and telling stories of what ancient civilizations thought about the constellations. All guests get an up-close view of six or more objects through a state-of-the-art telescope, and are encouraged to ask questions.
Sedona Stargazing operates all year long, but only on evenings when the starry sky is vividly visible. For stargazing comfort, chairs and blankets are provided.

Contact:
Cliff Ochser
Founder
Sedona Stargazing LLC
9288539778
www.eveningskytours.com