Stars Take Center Stage During Annual Astronomy Event

Star studded Grand Canyon sky | Photo by Mike Buchheit

Grand Canyon Village is hardly known for its nightlife. By the time the stars begin to twinkle, bedraggled hikers and rim strollers alike are bedding down after an action-packed day, leaving the park to nocturnal coyotes and bats.

That changes for one exciting week in June when the National Park Service and several amateur astronomy clubs join forces to conduct the Grand Canyon Star Party. This free event allows visitors to enjoy the celestial beings that populate Arizona’s world-famous night sky through dozens of telescopes, and to banter with their star-crazed owners. The June 5-12 event represents the twentieth installment in this popular endeavor.

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.