Grand Canyon Conservancy's Astronomer in Residence Program: Dark Skys, Stargazing, & Education

Visit Grand Canyon: https://www.grandcanyon.org/

The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program spreads awareness and value around Grand Canyon’s pristine dark skies, connecting industry experts with visitors. This video was created in spring of 2023.

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Astronomer in Residence program supports astronomers and dark-sky advocates from various disciplines who wish to engage with the night skies of Grand Canyon and build connections with the community by sharing their expertise, instruments, and passion with the park's public.

Astronomers, both professional and amateur, scientists from ecologists to geologists, dark-sky advocates, educators, writers, and other practitioners with expertise in the night sky are encouraged to apply. We prioritize Indigenous knowledge-keepers who focus on the night sky, and night sky practitioners from marginalized communities across the United States.

Selected astronomers live and work at the Grand Canyon South Rim in Arizona for four to eight weeks in a private one-bedroom apartment above the historic Verkamp's Visitor Center overlooking the Canyon. In addition to free live/workspace, a stipend is offered to offset the costs of travel, food, and supplies. Residents have first-hand access to the natural beauty of Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and visitors from around the world.

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Astronomer in Residence Program: Exploring the Night Sky at One of the World's Greatest Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but beyond its towering cliffs and vast geological formations, it offers something equally awe-inspiring—the night sky. Free from excessive light pollution, Grand Canyon is one of the best places in the world to experience truly dark skies, making it an ideal setting for astronomers, scientists, and educators. The Astronomer in Residence Program, hosted by Grand Canyon Conservancy, provides a unique opportunity for experts and enthusiasts to engage with visitors, conduct research, and advocate for the importance of dark sky preservation.

Why Grand Canyon’s Dark Skies Matter

Grand Canyon is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the clearest and most pristine night skies available in the United States. Unlike urban environments where artificial light washes out celestial views, the park allows visitors to witness the Milky Way in its full splendor. Dark skies are not only vital for stargazing but also for maintaining ecological balance, as many nocturnal species rely on darkness for survival. The Astronomer in Residence Program helps educate the public about these critical issues while deepening their appreciation for the cosmos.

What is the Astronomer in Residence Program?

Launched by Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Astronomer in Residence Program is designed to connect experts with the public while fostering awareness of dark sky conservation. Selected residents spend four to eight weeks living and working on the South Rim, sharing their expertise through public events, lectures, and interactive demonstrations. Whether they are professional astronomers, scientists, or educators, participants in the program contribute to the growing knowledge and appreciation of the night sky.

Who Can Apply and What Are the Benefits?

This program is open to a wide range of applicants, including professional and amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, geologists, ecologists, dark-sky advocates, and artists. There is a strong emphasis on including Indigenous knowledge-keepers who focus on the night sky, as well as scientists and educators from marginalized communities across the United States.

Residents receive a stipend to cover travel and living expenses, along with free lodging in a one-bedroom apartment above the historic Verkamp’s Visitor Center. With direct access to Grand Canyon’s unique landscapes, residents can conduct research, create educational programs, and develop projects that highlight the significance of dark sky preservation.

Living and Working at Grand Canyon

Residents of the program stay at Verkamp’s Visitor Center, a historic site offering stunning views of the canyon. They engage directly with visitors, park rangers, and the local community through public stargazing events, lectures, and interactive experiences. Many participants use this time to develop projects that raise awareness about the night sky and the threats posed by light pollution.

Beyond structured programming, residents have time to explore the canyon, conduct research, and work on creative projects. The natural setting provides a rare opportunity to study and experience the cosmos without urban interference, offering inspiration for scientific inquiry, photography, and public outreach.