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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.
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.
Support this Program
The Astronomer in Residence program is made possible because of support and grants to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations to this program will help fund future astronomers’ work in residency as they celebrate and preserve Grand Canyon's dark skies.
Donate2024 Residencies
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.
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.
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.