Don't miss the National Park Service's largest night sky festival! This annual event brings together amateur astronomers, special guest speakers, and dark sky enthusiasts for a week of stargazing and constellation talks on the South Rim.
Events include nightly evening programs from special guest speakers at 8:00 pm outdoors, in the plaza in front of the Visitor Center. The speakers and program topics are listed below, To get a good seat arrive early —seating is limited. Bring a folding chair, or cushions to sit on.
The evening programs are followed by telescope viewing in the large lot behind the Visitor Center. Follow the red rope lights to the telescope lot.
Park rangers offer constellation tours at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 pm. The evening program, constellation tours, and at least one telescope are wheelchair accessible.
Plan on driving your vehicle and parking in Visitor Center lots 1 through 4, since the last Village (Blue) Route shuttle is at 9:30 pm. Lot 4 provides the nearest accessible parking.
The South Rim Star Party is sponsored by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.
Amateur astronomers from across the country volunteer their expertise and offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing during this special annual event.
View the latest from NPS updates here.
Presentations take place outdoors in the plaza in front of the Visitor Center. Presentations start at 8 pm. (Limited-capacity seating - so bring a folding chair or cushions to sit on.)
What's Up in the Night Sky? David Eicher - Former Editor in Chief, Astronomy Magazine
Learn about all the amazing phenomena one can see with the naked eye and through telescopes in an International Dark Sky Park!
Protecting The Night, Dr. Danielle Adams - Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition
Discover the ways Northern Arizona is leading the way in protecting some of the best night skies on planet Earth.
Tour of the Universe: You are Here, Dean Regas - Author, host of Looking Up podcast
Take a tour from planet Earth to the outer edges of the Universe in this dar out talk!
Star Dance, Cellicion Zuni Dancers
Experience traditional dances from the Zuni Pueblo, including the Star Dance!
Hopi Cosmos, Gerald Dawavendewa - Hopi artist
Learn about the Hopi cosmos through the lens of award-winning Hopi art.
Astronomy Talk, Dr. Logan Pearce, Astronomer, University of Michigan
Astronomy Talk, Laura-May Abron, Griffith Observatory
Paiute Astronomy, Autumn Gillard - Paiute astronomer, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
Learn about the intricate and beautiful astronomy of the Southern Paiute peoples.
Constellation talks happen every night of the event: 9, 9:30 and 10 pm
