2025 Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence

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 aims 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.

In 2025, three astronomers will be selected to live and work on the South Rim. 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. Residents must deliver at least two public programs per week during their stay. In exchange, residents receive a $500 weekly stipend, free private accommodations, up to $300 for supplies, $20 meal per diem, backcountry trip support, complete park access, and marketing exposure to approximately 850,000 online audience members plus PR opportunities in TV, radio, and print. Residents also receive special access to park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, and archives, as well as opportunities with Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Alumni are often invited to participate in additional opportunities including proposal reviews, webinars, blog posts, and dark sky events.

Applicants must be 18 or older with a demonstrated history of working with dark skies and delivering public programs. Priority will be given to experienced researchers and educators enthusiastic about working with the public, applicants clearly knowledgeable about darkness and dark sky preservation, those with clear and creative public outreach plans focused on dark skies, and applicants from Indigenous or other historically underrepresented communities. Selected applicants will be notified around September 15, 2024. Upon acceptance, applicants must review residency protocols, sign agreements, and complete a background check. Selected astronomers may not defer their residency to another year. Application requirements include a brief bio (1000 characters max), CV or resume, optional astronomer statement or teaching philosophy, documentation of astronomy-based work (up to 5 images, pages, and/or media minutes), optional press/media materials, optional 2-minute video introduction, and responses to four questions about dark sky advocacy, personal projects, three proposed public programs with descriptions, ideal residency length, and preferred time of year. Instead of an application fee, applicants are asked to make a donation of $1 or more to the program through Grand Canyon Conservancy between May 15 - July 25, 2024.