Located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Astronomer in Residence program at Grand Canyon National Park offers astronomers and dark-sky advocates from diverse fields—including science, technology, and conservation— the opportunity to practice and share their discipline with park visitors under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. Through educational outreach and creative connection, the program hopes to inspire visitors to see the value of night skies, spread awareness about the threats of light pollution, and explore society's complex relationship with natural darkness.

The program is tied directly to the National Park Service Interpretation and Resource Education goal of dark sky preservation and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s goal to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.

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 seek a variety of voices and strategies for engaging our visitors with dark sky preservation.

In 2025, three “astronomers” will be selected to live and work on the South Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona. Astronomers in Residence deliver at least two public programs per week during their stay. In exchange, residents receive a stipend, free accommodations, and other resources (listed below.) Additionally, residents have special access to Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and international visitors. Alumni are often invited to participate in additional opportunities like proposal reviews, webinars, blog posts, and dark sky events.

Selection

Proposals will be reviewed by a peer panel of alumni and Dark Sky advocates. Those selected will be contacted around September 15, 2024. Spaces are offered in order of selected proposals and based on the applicant’s preferred time of year. A verbal commitment is required within one week of the offer.

Selected astronomers may not defer their residency to another year.

Upon acceptance, applicants must review residency protocols, sign several agreements, and complete a background check.

Priority will be given to:

• Experienced researchers and educators who are enthusiastic about working with the public.
• Applicants who are clearly knowledgeable about darkness, dark sky preservation, astronomy, or a related study area.
• Public outreach plans which are clear, creative, impactful, and focused on dark skies.
• Applicants from Indigenous or other historically underrepresented communities.

Provided Resources:

• Private accommodations
• Up to $300 for supplies
• $500 stipend per week
• $20 meal per diem
• Backcountry trip support
• Staff support (limited)
• Complete park access
• Marketing exposure (~ 850K online audience + PR opportunities in TV, radio & print)
• Opportunities with Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)
• Alumni opportunities

QUESTIONS?

Please see our Residency FAQ for the answers to commonly asked questions.

If you have any questions or require support completing your proposal, don't hesitate to get in touch with Clover Morell, Residency Program Manager, at cmorell@grandcanyon.org or 928-638-7154.

For more information about Grand Canyon Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, please visit grandcanyon.org.

Application Requirements

General information: demographics, contact information and preference, online account info (website, social media handles, etc.)

Brief Bio (1000 characters max)

CV or resume

Astronomer Statement or Teaching Philosophy (optional)

Documentation of astronomy-based work: Samples that detail your work with the public are encouraged. Up to 5 images, pages, and/or media minutes with titles, dates, medium, and descriptions.

Press / Media: Articles, publications, relevant media (optional)

Up to 2-minute Video Introduction (optional): who you are, why you want to do this, what you can bring to the park, etc.

Responses to the following questions:

a.      How would your work on-site advocate for the Grand Canyon's dark skies? (1000 characters max)

b.      Are there any personal projects you’d like to work on while in residence? If so, please describe. (1000 characters max)

c.      Please provide a brief marketing description of 3 different public programs you'd like to provide while on site, including a title and a 1-2 sentence description of each (1000 characters max per program description with title). 

d.      What is the ideal length of time for your residency? (Choose any that apply)

• Four weeks
• Six weeks
• Eight weeks
• Other

e.      What is the ideal time of year for your residency? (Please check all that apply)

• April
• May
• September
• October
• November
• Other

Application Fee – Donation of $1 or more

Instead of an application fee, we ask that you give a gift in any amount to the Astronomer in Residence program through Grand Canyon Conservancy. While you will be asked to include proof of your gift in the application, your donation amount will not be shared with the review panel or relevant to the decision-making process. Donations associated with your proposal must be made between May 15 - July 25, 2024. 

Please follow this link to donate online: bit.ly/3GWmSfZ 

You may also donate by phone at (928) 556-5300 or mail a check/money order to PO Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.

In “Donation Comments,” please indicate this is for the 2025 Astronomer in Residence application.

Eligibility Criteria

People (18+) who have a demonstrated history of working with dark skies and delivering public programs are welcome to apply.