Astronomer in Residence
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
Astronomer in Residence Events
Astronomers engage visitors through a variety of public programs from constellation tours to astronomy talks.
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About the Program
The Astronomer in Residence Program at Grand Canyon National Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with our pristine night skies through programs including sky tours, pop-up telescope viewing, presentations on the universe, dark sky education, citizen science projects, and more.
World-class astronomers and multidisciplinary dark sky enthusiasts are selected annually for a residency through a competitive application process. A peer group of expert astronomers select scientists, historians, educators, and artists who have the capacity to provide stellar dark sky programming and education to our community while experiencing the awe and wonder of our precious natural resource.
The Astronomer in Residence Program serves the priorities of the National Park Service’s Department of Interpretation and Resource Education including dark sky preservation, inclusive storytelling, and climate change.
Grand Canyon National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. Read more about how to park received its status as an International Dark sky community.
Applications for 2026 will be accepted from May 15 - July 15, 2025.
Astronomer in Residence Application
2025 Residencies
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.”
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!."
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.”
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.
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Contact us for additional information.
