More than 1,500 people celebrated National Astronomy Day at Skye Canyon’s 4th annual Skye & Stars event at Skye Canyon Park, Saturday, May 11, 2019. Las Vegas’ night sky did not disappoint; Mars, the Beehive galactic cluster in the constellation Cancer, and other constellations dazzled guests. The event was made possible by Las Vegas Astronomical Society (LVAS) whose volunteers provided a variety of high-power telescopes and while guiding attendees on a tour of the desert sky.
Since its inception, the free, family-friendly Skye & Stars event has drawn over 1,000 attendees to the award-winning master-planned community in the northwest. To accommodate more people, this year event organizers opted to offer daytime viewing of planets and constellations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 7 p.m., gates opened for picnicking, music, lawn games and food trucks with viewing after dark from 8 to 10 p.m.
“What makes this event so successful is our community’s curiosity about the night sky combined with the passion of the Las Vegas Astronomy Society,” said Desiree Van Leer, marketing manager of Olympia Companies, developer of Skye Canyon. “Our goal is to bring people together for meaningful community experiences. Skye & Stars is a unique education and social opportunity that does just that.”
Food and beverages were available for purchase from local food trucks and Skye Bistro inside Skye Center. Kids were treated to an indoor star show, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” was screened on the Skye Center patio. A few lucky guests took home prizes from the raffle like a Skye Canyon prize pack that included a North Face jacket, a Kleen Kanteen, and more. One grand prize winner received an AWB OneSky telescope.
LVAS is a nonprofit organization of amateur astronomers that was formed to promote astronomy in Southern Nevada for the sole purpose of educating and sharing their passion with those who have an interest in astronomy. They hold regular meetings, observation gatherings; offer educational opportunities and services to schools and youth science programs, service agencies, and other organizations.
For more information about Skye Canyon, visit www.skyecanyon.com.
About Skye Canyon
Skye Canyon is a 1,000-acre master-planned community in Northwest Las Vegas located on US Highway 95 at Skye Canyon Park Drive. Offering entry-level, move-up and luxury neighborhoods for individuals, couples, families and active adults who share a passion for outdoor activities, wellness, and immersive living. Skye Canyon includes unique amenities like Skye Canyon Park that features Skye Center, the community’s social hub with an open-air bistro and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and Skye Fitness, a state-of-the-art workout facility and outdoor junior Olympic size swimming pool that is exclusive for residents. Among the many other amenities offered are designated bike lanes, an extensive network of hiking and walking trails and shopping at Skye Canyon Marketplace. Other commercial offerings such as office space and gaming will be added as the community grows.
Skye Canyon is a product of leading developer Olympia Companies, joined by Stonehill Capital Management and Spectrum Group Management LLC. For more information visit www.skyecanyon.com or connect with Skye Canyon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on Pinterest.