Jan. 13
Moon and Mars
An unusual occurrence in the night sky is set to happen Monday, according to Utah astronomer Patrick Wiggins: A lunar occultation. That’s when a planet — in this case, Mars — ducks behind the full moon. Wiggins said Mars will disappear behind one side of the moon around 6:58 p.m. Monday, and will reappear on the other side at about 7:52 p.m. Lunar occultations aren’t that rare, Wiggins said, but unusual enough that most people have never seen one. Mars is quite bright these days, Wiggins said, so this event may be visible without optical aids, though binoculars or a small telescope will make it easier to see Mars’ disappearance and reappearance past the moon’s brightness.
Jan. 14-17
Tech entrepreneurs assemble
The Silicon Slopes Summit — a grassroots event for entrepreneurs, startups and anyone interested in Utah’s tech economy — is returning live, with events Tuesday and Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, and Thursday and Friday at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. It’s free to attend, but $95 for VIP access, which has more perks available. Go to siliconslopes.org/summit for details and a schedule.
Jan. 15-Feb. 8
Ice Castles is back
The walk-through frozen art installation Ice Castles is back for its midwinter run, starting Wednesday through Feb. 8, at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Olympic Drive, Midway. The site includes slides, crawl tunnels, archways, caverns and ice sculptures. One can also book a private alcove for a personalized experience, or (for an added charge) take a sleigh ride. Tickets range from $17 to $26 for peak days (Fridays and Saturdays, plus the Jan. 20 MLK holiday), and $12 to $20 for off-peak days (weekdays). The attraction is closed Sundays. For more information, go to icecastles.com.
Jan. 17
Sebastian Maniscalco stands up
In the last few years, the comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has become one of the biggest players in stand-up — so much so that one of his routines, about his boisterous Italian American dad, became the basis for a movie, “About My Father,” in which he starred alongside Robert De Niro. He’s also had supporting roles in “Green Book” and “The Irishman.” Maniscalco will perform his stand-up Friday, starting at 7:30 p.m., in the round at the Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City. Tickets are available via TicketMaster.
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