SKY · IDENTIFY · USA

What's That in the Sky Over Salt Lake City?

See a bright “star,” a steady glowing point, or something you can't place over Salt Lake City? Pick the direction you're facing and we'll name the brightest objects that way right now — computed live for Salt Lake City's coordinates (40.8°, -111.9°).

WHAT'S IN THE SKY OVER SALT LAKE CITY NOW

It's twilight — the brightest objects below are emerging first; fainter stars appear as it darkens.

WHICH WAY ARE YOU LOOKING?
Almost certainly the MoonTHE MOON
Unmistakable once you spot it — currently waxing crescent, 6% lit.WNW · 7° up · north-western sky
VenusPLANET
Far brighter than any star — if it outshines everything, it is almost certainly Venus.WNW · 11° up · western sky
JupiterPLANET
A brilliant, steady (non-twinkling) creamy point — usually the brightest thing up after Venus.WNW · 6° up · north-western sky
ArcturusSTAR
A warm orange star high in the spring/summer evening sky.SSW · 68° up · southern sky
VegaSTAR
Brilliant blue-white, near overhead on summer evenings; a corner of the Summer Triangle.ENE · 45° up · eastern sky
CapellaSTAR
A bright yellow star high in the north on winter evenings.NNW · 4° up · north-western sky
IS IT MOVING OR FLASHING?

A point of light that drifts steadily across the sky in a minute or two — not twinkling, no flashing lights — is a satellite (often the ISS or a Starlink train). A blinking light moving in a straight line is an aircraft. The objects above don't move noticeably over a few minutes.

The list is ordered brightest-first and updates through the night. A planet shines with a steady light; a star twinkles; a point that drifts across the sky in a minute or two is a satellite. Best viewing is once the sky is fully dark — check our stargazing conditions for Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City right now

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