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.