Following the Stars
Photography By Marcin Zając
For our ancestors, the observable universe beyond our atmosphere was of the utmost significance. The starry night sky once served as the sole reference for when to plant crops and inspired myths that remain culturally relevant today. Now with so much of the world in perpetual twilight, many never see a naturally dark night sky. Utah however, part of The Great Western Starry Way of the Intermountain West, is lucky to boast the highest concentration of internationally-certified dark sky locations in the world.
Marcin Zając, an internationally acclaimed photographer, has perfected the craft of exposing what is usually invisible to the naked eye. Here he sets out on a quest to capture the brilliance of Southern Utah's dark skies. Using advanced techniques combined with a keen eye for composition, Zając shows us the magnitude of our universe that's visible from Utah's spectacular landscapes.
![](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/things%20to%20do/stargazing/dark-sky_south_mexican-hat_castle-butte_zajac-marcin_2023_valley-of-the-gods.jpg?w=375&h=250&mode=crop&quality=65)
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![As the sun rises in Capitol Reef country, the stars dissipate but the stunning landscape takes hold.](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/three-season-photography/southwestern-utah/southwestern-4/dark-sky_south_hanksville_zajac-marcin_2023_moonscape-overlook.jpg?w=900&h=630&mode=crop&quality=65&quality=65)
As the sun rises in Capitol Reef country, the stars dissipate but the stunning landscape takes hold.
![It's not unusual to hear the landscape near Capitol Reef described as lunar. This spire is accessible from a dirt road just seven miles west of Hanksville, Utah.](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/three-season-photography/southwestern-utah/southwestern-4/dark-sky_south_hanksville_long-dong-silver_zajac-marcin_2023_spire.jpg?w=900&h=630&mode=crop&quality=65&quality=65)
It's not unusual to hear the landscape near Capitol Reef described as lunar. This spire is accessible from a dirt road just seven miles west of Hanksville, Utah.
"If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore ... But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
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![](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/three-season-photography/mighty-5/bryce-canyon/dark-sky_bryce-canyon_hoodoo_zajac-marcin_2023_crop.jpg?w=375&h=250&mode=crop&quality=65)
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![](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/things%20to%20do/stargazing/dark-sky_south_paria_kanab_red-toadstool_zajac-marcin_2023_toadstools.jpg?w=400&h=600&mode=crop&quality=65)
![](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/three-season-photography/southeastern-utah/southeastern-utah-3/dark-sky_south_lake-powell_reflection-canyon_zajac-marcin_2023.jpg?w=375&h=250&mode=crop&quality=65)
"I find it fascinating that my camera can capture more than my eyes can see – the color and the detail in the night sky you can record with modern cameras are astonishing ... First and foremost, I look for an interesting composition where there is a balance between the landscape in the foreground and the sky."
– Marcin Zając
![](/azure/cmsroot/visitutah/media/site-assets/authors/marcin-zjac-portrait_1.jpg?w=160&h=160&mode=crop&scale=both&quality=65)
About the Photographer – Marcin Zając
Marcin Zając is a landscape photographer from Poland based in Northern California. When he's not chasing light with his camera, he works as a software engineer. His work has been recognized by several photography competitions. He was shortlisted for Astronomy Photographer of the Year, organized by the Royal Museum Greenwich, in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, and won the People's Choice award in 2021. He was awarded NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day in 2020 and placed among the world's top 101 photographs in the International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021 competition, the world's most prestigious landscape photography contest. Instagram: @mrcnzajac
Stargazing in Utah
Of the vast amount of certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities that are part of a catalog of the finest dark skies in the world, the highest concentration are in Utah. Explore the statewide locations and make plans for experiencing natural wonders after the sun sets.
Utah's Certified Dark Sky Parks
Read the Stories
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Written By Matcha
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
Written By Heather May
3 minute read
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
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6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
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Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Written By Kristen Pope
8 minute read
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
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Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Written By Nushin Huq
5 minute read
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
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The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Written By Matcha
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
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Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Written By Matcha
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
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Bridesmaids Gone Boating
Written By Melissa McGibbon
If you and your bride tribe are more outdoorsy than indoorsy, consider booking a whitewater rafting trip in southern Utah instead of club night at a casino. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips are easy to plan and are great for groups of all sizes and abilities.
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How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
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Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Written By Melissa Fields
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
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How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
Written By Arianna Rees
6 minute read
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
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Get to Know Echo State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
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Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
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Fisher Towers River Rafting
Written By Bob Wassom
5 minute read
Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
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An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Written By Dan Potts
6 minute read
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
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What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
Written By Melissa McGibbon
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
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Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
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How to Slow Travel in Utah
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
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Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
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Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written By Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
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Venturing Out (and Back) Along the Canyon Rim Trail
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
An under-the-radar destination that should be on more people’s lists, Flaming Gorge offers spectacular wildlife viewing, scenery that comes straight out of paintings and plenty of outdoor adventure.
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Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
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Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
Written By Ben Whisenant
8 minute read
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.