From the Canyon to the Moon: Astronaut Training at Grand Canyon
Join Astronomer in Residence Logan Pearce and Guest Speaker Kevin Schindler, the Historian and Public Information Officer at Lowell Observatory for this special lecture followed by a constellation tour.
In preparation for their voyages to the Moon in the 1960s-70s, Apollo astronauts hiked into the Grand Canyon to hone their geology skills. Relive these expeditions and hear about why this training was so important. Who is the only one of the 24 astronauts to visit the Moon not to train at the Grand Canyon? Join the program and find out!
- July 21, 2026
- 8:30PM–10:30PM MST
-
Visitor Center Theater
8 South Entrance Rd
Grand Canyon Village, AZ
86023
Dr. Logan Pearce
Dr. Logan Pearce is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, with a PhD from the University of Arizona. Dr. Pearce’s work focuses on the detection and characterization of exoplanets, particularly advancing observing techniques for hard-to-detect planets and those orbiting white dwarf stars. She will be conducting a variety of constellation tours, moon viewings, and public programs on topics including planets, aliens, and dark skies. Dr. Pearce also plans to produce infographics and graphic designs advocating for dark skies preservation.
Kevin Schindler
Astronomer in Residence, 2023Kevin Schindler is the historian and public information officer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he has worked for 31 years. He has authored nine books, including The Grand Canyon (Past & Present series) and Northern Arizona Space Training. He is an active member of the northern Arizona history and science communities and serves on several boards, including Grand Canyon Historical Society.
Fun fact: Kevin has both a fossil crab and asteroid named after him.