For eight days this month, the night sky takes center stage at the Grand Canyon Star Party, taking place from Saturday, June 22, to Saturday, June 29.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be leading the activities on the South Rim. Amateur astronomers will host a nightly slide show at 8 p.m., followed by a telescope viewing behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Park rangers will then offer constellation tours starting at 9 p.m.
On the North Rim, the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix will assist with telescope viewing at Grand Canyon Lodge.
While the entire week of events is free with park admission, visitors are encouraged to make lodging or camping reservations. Attendees should also dress warmly, as the temperatures will drop quickly at night.
Grand Canyon National Park just received an official designation from the International Dark-Sky Association. This means the park has put in extra efforts to ensure light pollution is limited, making it easy to view the night sky and enjoy the natural beauty.
For a full list of events during the Star Party, visit the event website.