Silhouette of a park ranger using a laser pointer to point out constellations in a stary night sky.
Map shows location of 4 public parking lots in relation to and surrounding the Visitor Center Plaza.
a large, curved visitor center building with blue doors and solar panels on a gray sloping roof.
Portrait of a smiling, 30-something man with wavy brown hair, blue eyes and the start of a beard.
Outside, under a starry night sky, several people are taking turns looking through a telescope.

South Rim Village | Astronomy Night - Constellation Talk with Astronomer in Residence, Stephen Hummel. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Special Event
  • Every day at 7:30 PM from February 15, 2025 to February 16, 2025
  • Free

Astronomy Night - Constellations Over the Canyon

Join astronomer in residence Stephen Hummel to learn about the science, mythology, and history of the constellations through a laser-guided constellation talk, all under one the darkest night skies in the United States!

Time: 7:30 pm (allow 1 hour)

Location: South Rim - Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater - meet outside in front of the building. 

Current Grand Canyon National Park Astronomer in Residence, Stephen Hummel is the Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator for McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin. Stephen's work has focused on preserving dark skies in far west Texas.

An experienced astronomy and dark sky educator, Stephen has led hundreds of constellation tours and telescope viewing events, as well as trainings for state and national park staff. Stephen works with industrial facilities, hotels, businesses, and local governments on lighting design to preserve dark skies. In his spare time, Stephen is an award winning astrophotographer with a specialty in rare electrical phenomena above nighttime thunderstorms.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

From the South Entrance Station, continue following the road you are on for 5 miles, and it will lead you to the Visitor Center. Just before the parking areas, the road curves to the left. You can park your vehicle in one of four parking areas and find your way to the Visitor Center, in the center of the open plaza where restroom buildings, the park store, and the bicycle rental are also located. View the map below.

Latitude and Longitude 36.059095, -112.108899

Schedule

Days:

Every day

Dates:

February 15, 2025 to February 16, 2025

Time:

7:30 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Contact Information

Rader Lane

Contact Us

Event Type

  • Campfire/Evening Program
  • Talk
Tags: astronomy, constellations, telescope viewing, astronomy program, astronomer in residence, evening program, stargazing program, night sky, night sky activity