Grand Canyon, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is excited to welcome Stephen Hummel as the first Astronomer in Residence onsite at Grand Canyon National Park this year. Hummel is the Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator for McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin. His work has focused on preserving dark skies in the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico. He will be in residence at the South Rim from February 1 to March 14, 2025.
Hummel worked to create the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest area in the world certified by Dark Sky International. An experienced astronomy and dark sky educator, Stephen has led hundreds of constellation tours and telescope viewing events, as well as trainings for state and national park staff. Hummel works with industrial facilities, hotels, businesses, and local governments on lighting design to preserve dark skies. In his spare time, he is an award winning astrophotographer with a specialty in rare electrical phenomena above nighttime thunderstorms.
During his time in residence, Hummel will be offering the following visitor programs: "Preserving Dark Skies," and "Sprites, Elves, Ghosts, and More: The weird world of upper atmospheric lightning," in addition to constellation tours. All programs are free to the public and take place at the South Rim Visitor Center. Event dates and times can be found here.
About Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC): Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit grandcanyon.org.
About Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) Residency Program: GCC’s residency program supports Grand Canyon National Park’s priorities of dark sky preservation and inclusive storytelling by welcoming artists, scholars, and scientists from throughout the world to explore and contribute to Grand Canyon’s historic and cultural legacy. Artists and astronomers engage the public in meaningful ways, adding to the collective scholarship on the region, and celebrating the rich environmental, spiritual, and cultural impact Grand Canyon has on the world.
The Astronomer in Residence program offers astronomers and dark-sky advocates from diverse fields 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 inspires 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.