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Residency Program

Astronomer in Residence

Photo by Imma Barrera, Astronomer in Residence 2022

The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program spreads awareness and value around Grand Canyon’s pristine dark skies, connecting industry experts with visitors.

Milky Way at Grand Canyon by Imma Barrera
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About the Program

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Astronomer-in-Residence program supports astronomers and dark-sky advocates from various disciplines who wish to engage with the night skies of Grand Canyon and build connections with the community by sharing their expertise, instruments, and passion with the park's public.  

Astronomers, both professional and amateur, scientists from ecologists to geologists, dark-sky advocates, educators, writers, and other practitioners with expertise in the night sky are encouraged to apply. We prioritize Indigenous knowledge-keepers who focus on the night sky, and night sky practitioners from marginalized communities across the United States.

Selected astronomers live and work at the Grand Canyon South Rim in Arizona for four to eight weeks in a private one-bedroom apartment above the historic Verkamp's Visitor Center overlooking the Canyon. In addition to free live/workspace, a stipend is offered to offset the costs of travel, food, and supplies. Residents have first-hand access to the natural beauty of Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and visitors from around the world.

HOW TO APPLY 

 Applications for 2025 residencies will be available from May 15 – July 15, 2024.

2024 Residencies

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February 8 – 26

Dr. Adeene Denton

During her time at the Canyon, Denton will be working on a short site-specific dance that explores the geologic history of the Grand Canyon, the formation of planets, and how we as humans physically embody those same forces to build deeper connections with the world around us.

Pagnotta
March 4 – 31

Dr. Ashley Pagnotta

Combining her love of dark skies and fiber arts, Pagnotta will be working with park visitors on a fiber-based dark sky map that highlights light pollution levels throughout the world.

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September 23 – November 4

Dr. David Koerner

During his time at Grand Canyon, Dr. Koerner will be working on a book that connects individuals with vast stretches of time, and writing musical compositions that emotively represent significant periods of time in Grand Canyon’s sky and strata.

Questions?

Contact us for additional information.

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Clover Morell

Residency Program Manager, Grand Canyon Conservancy