Who are GCC's 2024 Astronomer in Residence Program?

Dr. Adeene Denton During her time at the Canyon, Denton will be working on a short site-specific dance that explores the geologic history of the Grand Canyon, the formation of planets, and how we as humans physically embody those same forces to build deeper connections with the world around us. Dr. Ashley Pagnotta Combining her love of dark skies and fiber arts, Pagnotta will be working with park visitors on a fiber-based dark sky map that highlights light pollution levels throughout the world. Dr. David Koerner During his time at Grand Canyon, Dr. Koerner will be working on a book that connects individuals with vast stretches of time, and writing musical compositions that emotively represent significant periods of time in Grand Canyon’s sky and strata.

Residency Program

Astronomer in Residence

Q: What are the Details of GCC's Astronomer in Residence Program?

The Astronomer in Residence program at Grand Canyon National Park offers astronomers and dark-sky advocates from diverse fields—including science, technology, arts, and conservation— the opportunity to practice and share their discipline with park visitors under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. Through educational outreach and creative connection, the program hopes to inspire visitors to see the value of night skies, spread awareness about the threats of light pollution, and explore society's complex relationship with natural darkness. The program is tied directly to the National Park Service Interpretation and Resource Education goal of dark sky preservation and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. 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 seek a variety of voices and strategies for engaging our visitors with dark sky preservation. Annually, three 'astronomers' are selected to live and work on the South Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona. Astronomers in Residence deliver at least two public programs per week during their stay. In exchange, residents stay in a private apartment overlooking the Canyon for 4-8 weeks and receive media exposure, a weekly stipend, and modest support with supply and travel costs. Additionally, residents have special access to Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and international visitors. Alumni are often invited to participate in additional opportunities like proposal reviews, webinars, blog posts, and dark sky events.

The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program spreads awareness and value around Grand Canyon’s pristine dark skies, connecting scientists and educators with visitors.

Photo: Dr. David Koerner, Astronomer in Residence 2024 / Lauren Cisneros for GCC

Dr. David Koerner North Rim Piano - USE THIS ONE

About the Program

The Astronomer in Residence program at Grand Canyon National Park offers astronomers and dark-sky advocates from diverse fields—including science, technology, arts, and conservation— the opportunity to practice and share their discipline with park visitors under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. Through educational outreach and creative connection, the program hopes to inspire visitors to see the value of night skies, spread awareness about the threats of light pollution, and explore society's complex relationship with natural darkness.

The program is tied directly to the National Park Service Interpretation and Resource Education goal of dark sky preservation and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.

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 seek a variety of voices and strategies for engaging our visitors with dark sky preservation.

Annually, three “astronomers” are selected to live and work on the South Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona. Astronomers in Residence deliver at least two public programs per week during their stay. In exchange, residents stay in a private apartment overlooking the Canyon for 4-8 weeks and receive media exposure, a weekly stipend, and modest support with supply and travel costs. Additionally, residents have special access to Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and international visitors. Alumni are often invited to participate in additional opportunities like proposal reviews, webinars, blog posts, and dark sky events.

Applications for 2026 will be accepted from May 15 - July 15, 2025. Please check back for more information on our 2026 program in early 2025.

2025 Residencies

February 1 – March 14

Stephen Hummel

Stephen is the Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator for McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin.During his time in residence, Stephen will be offering public programs, “Astronomy without a Telescope;” “Preserving Dark Skies;” and “Sprites, Elves, Ghosts, and More: The weird world of upper atmospheric lightning.”

August 24 – October 23

Laura-May Abron

During her residency, Laura-May will be working on a series of monsoon and dark sky paintings, and offering public programs such as, “Moonrise Mysteries: The Grand Canyon Lunar Standstill” “The Sun at Maximum” and “Not Just Stars: Solar Systems!."

Learn more

November 1 – December 15

Dr. Aomawa Shields

Aomawa is the Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and writer. During her residency, Aomawa will be working on her book entitled, “An Overachievers Guide to Joy: Learning to Love a Slower, Softer Life.” She will also present public programs such as, “We Are the Moon;” “Life on other Planets: Finding My Place in the Universe;” and “Resting in the Healing Dark.”

Learn more

Support this Program

The Astronomer in Residence program is made possible because of support and grants to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations to this program will help fund future astronomers’ work in residency as they celebrate and preserve Grand Canyon's dark skies.

Donate