Grand Canyon National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019 and is one of the best places in the world to enjoy pristine night sky star gazing due to its location away from major cities.
The Grand Canyon Star Party event will be June 1-8 in 2024. This annual event will be free and open to the public with outdoor evening events located within the National Park near the Visitor Center.
The National Park Service offers Ranger Programs year round and when viewing is at its best; they will include evening Ranger Programs on the Night Skies. There is also an Astronomer in Residence Program offered by the NPS.
Another amazing viewing in our dark skies are meteor showers which occur several times a year.
The events that are planned inside Grand Canyon National Park are planned and overseen by the National Park Service and/or the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
The annual Grand Canyon Star Party is held in June, typically the driest summer month. In 2024 it is June 1-8. Amateur astronomers from across the county volunteer their expertise and offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing. You can find more information including shuttle bus information, what is recommended to bring and timing of events at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-star-party.htm.
The Astronomer in Residence Program offers amateur and professional astronomers, scientists, artists and writer the opportunity to share their discipline under the stars; many times with nightly talks and telescope viewing for the public to enjoy.
You can learn more about the programs at www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/night-skies.htm.
Another amazing viewing in our dark skies are meteor showers. Just a few to watch for are:
Draconids (October 8-10) which start a season of showers every few weeks till the end of 2023.
Geminids (December 4-16) is the most active shower of the year and peaks on the evening of December 13.
Our source is www.almanac.com/meteor-shower-calendar.