Astronomers Present Free Star Programs at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, AZ - The thirteenth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held June 21 through June 28, 2003 at Yavapai Observation Station on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Under the sponsorship of the National Park Service and the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, amateur astronomers from across the country will be volunteering their expertise for this event. Free star programs will be available nightly, and telescopes will also be set up to view planets, star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.

Grand Canyon is one of the best night sky observing sites in the United States. Expect spectacular views of the universe, weather permitting. Star slide programs will begin at 8 p.m. outside of Yavapai Observation Station; a question and answer period will follow. Volunteer astronomers will then have their telescopes available throughout the evening for the public to view the night sky. These telescopes will be set up around Yavapai Observation Station, its parking lot, and in an observing area southwest of the lower portion of the parking lot. In addition to night viewing, some volunteer astronomers will set up their telescopes during the day to provide visitors with up-close views of canyon features, as well as safe observation of the sun.

When traveling in the park, it is best to find a parking space and utilize the free shuttle service to all points of interest in the Village area and along the scenic Hermit Road on the West Rim. If you plan to stay overnight at Grand Canyon National Park, plan your visit in advance. Visit the Park's official website at www.nps.gov/grca or to receive a free Grand Canyon Trip Planner, call 928-638-7888.