Arizona

Grand Canyon Star Party: Astronomy at the Edge of the Universe

Program No. 16157RJ
Turn down the lights and get ready to party! At the Grand Canyon Star Party, you’ll meet astronomers, have access to more than 40 high powered telescopes and explore Meteor Crater.

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At a Glance

Glance down and you will see some of the oldest exposed rocks from our planet. Glance up and you will behold the origin of our universe. Welcome to the Grand Canyon Star Party! Enjoy two nights of sky watching at one of Arizona's greatest astronomical events of the year as more than 40 telescopes are pointed at the skies above to behold the wonders of clear June skies.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile over varied terrain. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • In Flagstaff, a center for astronomical study since the late 1800s, meet astronomers and discuss planetary geology, the origin of the universe, NASA projects and other current topics.
  • Visit Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, and Meteor Crater, the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site, that was used as a training ground for the Apollo astronauts.
  • At the Grand Canyon, learn about the geology of this world wonder and national treasure while enjoying walks to its most spectacular viewpoints.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Bryan Bates
Bryan Bates is an ex-officio member of the governing board for the International Society for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture. Under a NASA grant, he created a course manual for archaeoastronomy and published research on a solar calendar at Wupatki and an equinox site near Stoneman Lake. He is involved in a research project on archaeoastronomy at Mesa Verde National Park and teaches archaeoastronomy, as well as biology, environmental science, natural history and chemistry.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Bryan Bates
Bryan Bates View biography
Bryan Bates is an ex-officio member of the governing board for the International Society for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture. Under a NASA grant, he created a course manual for archaeoastronomy and published research on a solar calendar at Wupatki and an equinox site near Stoneman Lake. He is involved in a research project on archaeoastronomy at Mesa Verde National Park and teaches archaeoastronomy, as well as biology, environmental science, natural history and chemistry.
Profile Image of David Cole
David Cole View biography
David Cole has been on faculty at Northern Arizona University since 1996 and is a past recipient of the LOUIE Award for outstanding professor. Formerly assistant director of the NASA Space Grant on campus, he left that post to assume a Principal lecturer position that allows him to focus more on teaching physics and astronomy. He has three children, but none of them has expressed an interest to be an astronaut — yet.
Profile Image of Greg Webb
Greg Webb View biography
Greg Webb has been a public educator and program manager for the last 20 years. In his academic career, he acquired degrees in geography, sociology, and a master’s in "Sustainable Communities". He has held positions as a National Park Ranger at Sequoia National Park as well as Montezuma Castle National Monument. Currently, Greg is working as an exploration leader primarily in Grand Canyon and is excited to be part of the Road Scholar program.
Profile Image of Christopher Eaves
Christopher Eaves View biography
Christopher Eaves has called the Southwest home for the past two decades, exploring the wild lands and rivers of the region. After teaching middle school math and science for 15 years, he joined Road Scholar to continue his ongoing passion for promoting learning. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Western University of Colorado and a master’s in Education from Northern Arizona University. Chris's hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, and traveling the globe with his spouse and children.
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