Astronomer in Residence
The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence Program spreads awareness and value around Grand Canyon’s pristine dark skies, connecting scientists and educators with visitors.
Photo: Dr. David Koerner, Astronomer in Residence 2024 / Lauren Cisneros for GCC
Astronomer in Residence Events
Astronomers engage visitors through a variety of public programs from constellation tours to astronomy talks.
Learn more
As an International Dark Sky park, we recognize that the night sky is a natural, cultural, and historic resource that is in danger from the threats of light pollution. Our residency program aims to support the conservation of dark skies with exceptional dark sky education that inspires our visitors to act here and at home to protect this precious natural resource.
About the Program
Every year, three Astronomers in Residence are selected through an application process to live and work at Grand Canyon National Park, an International Dark Sky park, and share their knowledge and resources with our visitors through presentations, hands-on activities, constellation tours, pop-up telescope viewing, and citizen science projects. Astronomers are selected for their contributions to dark sky advocacy, experience with research, and demonstrable ability to engage the public.
Become an Astronomer in Residence
“It was awe-inspiring. Every day, I would go out to the rim and sit and stare at the canyon, head empty but for the rocks and the sky and the distant, deep water. I'd always hear someone talking, because the rim is almost never quiet, but that was also beautiful. Everyone I met on my hikes was so happy: to be alive, to be at the Grand Canyon, to be sharing the canyon with others... Living in a world like that is surreal. I loved the canyon itself; this goes without saying. But to experience the canyon as a living thing, in its context with nature, wildlife, and people, was truly special. I spend most of my time thinking about the dark, cold outer portions of our Solar System. But when I was at the canyon, I was inextricably on Earth. Somehow this made returning to Pluto in my work even better.” – Adeene Denton, Astronomer in Residence, 2024
How to Apply
Annually, from May – July, we accept proposals from astronomers who are interested in living and working at Grand Canyon National Park from 4-10 weeks through our application portal Call for Entry (Creative West). Calls are announced through our mailing list, website, and on social media. Residency Program staff will offer one – two information sessions to support astronomers with their proposals. Dates of the info sessions have not yet been announced for 2026.
In addition to a CV and/or statement and documentation of previous public programs (videos and/or photos), we request brief descriptions of three proposed programs that would be produced when on site.
What We Look For
Experienced scientists, researchers, and/or educators enthusiastic about working with the public to expand their understanding of darkness, dark skies, astronomy, or a related field of study.
What We Provide
Free accommodation at Grand Canyon National Park, a weekly stipend, travel subsidy, staff support with programs, program supply reimbursement, marketing exposure, opportunities to work with K-12 students, and ongoing opportunities as alumni.
2026 Residencies
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 detection and characterization of exoplanets - planets around other stars. She will be conducting public talks on topics including planets, aliens, and dark skies, as well as producing infographics and graphic designs advocating for dark skies preservation.
Summer Ash
Summer Ash is a rocket scientist, astrophysicist, and freelance science communicator. She studied Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, space studies at the International Space University, and radio astronomy in the Astrophysics Group of the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. Summer plans to invite visitors to contemplate the nature of the Grand Canyon and the skies above it through solar meditations, moon walks, star maps, and time travel. Summer’s programs will include hands-on activities, guided stargazing, and intimate discussions on the cosmos that will leave you feeling more deeply connected with our universe.
Amy Sayle, PhD
Amy Sayle, PhD, is a science communicator, writer, and award-winning storyteller. As a longtime educator at Morehead Planetarium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she communicates astronomy to the public under the planetarium sky, at skywatching events, and on night paddles. During her residency, she plans to revise her young-adult novel Swallow the Sun, which is set at Grand Canyon National Park, and offer public programs focused on dark skies and on cultural astronomy.