A very special month for Utah, June will witness the 100th anniversary celebration of the protected national treasure Bryce Canyon National Park, which is to be followed by the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival from June 14-17.

As part of celebrations of its 100th anniversary of being named a protected national treasure, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is all geared up to host a series of astronomy, geology, and wildlife festivals and events throughout the month of June.

According to a press statement by the park, June 8 will honour its 100th anniversary by reflecting on the changes that have taken place over the last century. ‘The rim of the Bryce Amphitheater has retreated an average of 22 inches, 18,000 freeze, and thaw cycles have shaped and toppled countless hoodoos, the sun has risen 36,889 times over Thor’s Hammer.’ The park will also host a special centennial ceremony and a canyon rim performance by The Piano Guys, a popular Utah music group.

It goes on to say that the following week, June 14-17, will see the annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival. The event, which coincides with June’s new moon, includes constellation tours and ranger-led evening programs to showcase the dark, star-filled skies Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah’s fourth national park, and 13th location altogether, to receive dark sky certification from the International Dark-Sky Association. Attendees will enjoy a variety of astronomy-themed activities and programs offered both day and night.