September 5th - 7th Our 15th Annual Astronomy Festival is planned for September 5th - 7th. The festival features guest speakers, rare tours, ranger programs, art projects, and dark skies.
The Astronomy Festival occurs around the new moon in September of every year.
Tom Auchter
Be Prepared
The Astronomy Festival is one of the most exciting and busy events and weekends at Great Basin National Park. Planning ahead of time will ensure you have the best experience during your visit. Check back at this page regularly for updates if event schedules change.
Tips for a successful Astronomy Festival visit:
Campgrounds will fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure a first-come, first-served campsite within the park. Please visit the Lehman Caves Visitor Center or Great Basin Visitor Center for information on dispersed camping on public land outside of Great Basin National Park.
Fit into one car if possible. Parking is limited at astronomy events and you will be turned away if parking lots fill.
Bring red lights. White flashlights are not allowed at festival events in order to preserve everybody's night vision.
Bring plenty of layers. Telescope viewing can go well into the evening and nights get cold. Check weather forecasts as the festival approaches.
All events are free, but reservations may be required. Check the list below or the park's events calendar for information on specific events and if reservations are required.
Interested in volunteering? Our festival star parties are almost entirely volunteer run and registration is required to volunteer. Find more information at this link or further below.
Dates & Times
Daily Schedule
11:30 - 12:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 12:00 - 1:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 1:00 - 2:00pm:Milky Way Photography - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Theater to learn about Milky Way photography and prepare yourself for the evening meetup. 1:30 - 3:30pm: Solar Telescope and Crafts - Join a park ranger for family & kid friendly activities behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Peer through a solar telescope at our nearest star and make your own constellations. 2:00 - 3:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 3:30 - 4:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 3:00 - 4:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 4:00 - 5:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 6:30 - 7:00pm: Nocturnal Navigators Program - Join Great Basin National Park's Head Resource Manager to learn about the connections between bats and the night sky on the back patio of the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. 7:00 - 10:00pm: Astrophotography Workshop - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle at the Baker Archaeological Site outside the park and learn how to take photos of the night sky. 7:00 - 8:30pm: Art in the Dark - Head to the Astronomy Amphitheater to participate in an art project that will play with how our eyes perceive color. No registration required for the group art project. 8:00 - 11:00pm: Telescope Viewing/Star Party - Outside the Astronomy Amphitheater, park rangers and volunteers will be with telescopes showing views of the night sky and objects within it for all to see. 9:00 - 9:30pm: Constellation talk - A park ranger will guide you through the night sky at the Astronomy Amphitheater, right next to the telescope observing area. This program is accessible and open to all.
9:00 - 11:00am: Photo Editing Workshop - Come to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Theater to edit photos from the last evening's astrophotography workshop alongside volunteer Don Riddle. Learn about editing software and techniques to improve your photos. 11:30 - 12:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 12:00 - 1:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 1:00 - 2:00pm:Milky Way Photography - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Theater to learn about Milky Way photography and prepare yourself for the evening meetup. 1:30 - 3:30pm: Solar Telescope and Crafts - Join a park ranger for family & kid friendly activities behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Peer through a solar telescope at our nearest star and make your own constellations. 2:00 - 3:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE EGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 3:30 - 4:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 3:00 - 4:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 4:00 - 5:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 7:00 - 10:00pm: Astrophotography Workshop - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle at the Baker Archaeological Site outside the park and learn how to take photos of the night sky. 7:00 - 8:00pm: Guest Speaker - Dr. Cameron Pace, a professor at Southern Utah University will discuss his involvement with the Great Basin Observatory and its incredible ability to bring new, young scientists into the world of astronomy. 7:30 - 9:30pm: Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap - Join Caltech Scientists for two 20-minute public astronomy talks and space-themed pub trivia over food and drinks at the Bristlecone General Store! All ages welcome. 8:00 - 11:00pm: Telescope Viewing/Star Party - Outside the Astronomy Amphitheater, park rangers and volunteers will be with telescopes showing views of the night sky and objects within it for all to see. 9:00 - 9:30pm: Constellation talk - A park ranger will guide you through the night sky at the Astronomy Amphitheater, right next to the telescope observing area. This program is accessible and open to all.
9:00 - 11:00am: Photo Editing Workshop - Come to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Theater to edit photos from the last evening's astrophotography workshop alongside volunteer Don Riddle. Learn about editing software and techniques to improve your photos. 11:30 - 12:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 12:00 - 1:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 1:00 - 2:00pm:Milky Way Photography - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Theater to learn about Milky Way photography and prepare yourself for the evening meetup. 1:30 - 3:30pm: Solar Telescope and Crafts - Join a park ranger for family & kid friendly activities behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Peer through a solar telescope at our nearest star and make your own constellations. 2:00 - 3:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 3:30 - 4:00pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. Topics vary. 3:00 - 4:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 4:00 - 5:00pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour (Same-day registration required) - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park. 7:00 - 10:00pm: Astrophotography Workshop - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle at the Baker Archaeological Site outside the park and learn how to take photos of the night sky. 7:00 - 8:00pm: Guest Speaker - Dr. Gregg Hallinan, a professor and researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) will share some of his research and information on the proposed DSA-2000 radio telescope near Great Basin National Park. 7:30 - 9:30pm: Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap - Join Caltech Scientists for two 20-minute public astronomy talks and space-themed pub trivia over food and drinks at Sugar, Salt, and Malt! All ages welcome. 8:00 - 11:00pm: Telescope Viewing/Star Party - Outside the Astronomy Amphitheater, park rangers and volunteers will be with telescopes showing views of the night sky and objects within it for all to see. 9:00 - 9:30pm: Constellation talk - A park ranger will guide you through the night sky at the Astronomy Amphitheater, right next to the telescope observing area. This program is accessible and open to all.
Event Descriptions
Find details of each event during the Astronomy Festival below. Check the schedule above for dates and times of each event.
Telescope Viewing & Star Parties
Each night, amateur astronomers gather their telescopes near the Astronomy Amphitheater to showcase the night sky and dazzle with a peek through their eyepieces. Look at colorful star-forming nebulas, ancient star clusters, far off galaxies millions of light years distant, or the planets which dot our night sky.
Telescope viewing is driven almost entirely by volunteers donating their time and the use of their delicate equipment to the park. Treat volunteers and their telescopes with the care & respect they deserve.
*UPDATE - Volunteer registration has closed for 2024*
Interested in being a volunteer at the astronomy festival? All that's required is a telescope and a passion to share with the general public. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact the Astronomy Rangers via email by clicking here. Pre-registration is required, and those who show up without registering ahead of time will be turned away. If registration is full, you may still contact us to be on the interest check for the following year.
The Great Basin Observatory peers into the night sky to help further new astronomical research and allow students as young as middle school to participate in science.
D. Highsmith
Guest Speakers
Each year we invite speakers from the professional astrophysics and astronomy realms to come speak about their research, projects, or their work. During two nights of the festival, all are invited to the Astronomy Amphitheater to listen to their presentations, ask questions, and learn more about the endless possibilities of astronomy.
One of the speakers will discuss their personal connection to the park through ongoing research from the Great Basin Observatory, the only research grade observatory in a national park.
The festival's keynote speakers this year are Dr. Cameron Pace, a professor of Astronomy at Southern Utah University who leads research using the Great Basin Observatory inside the park, and Dr. Gregg Hallinan, a professor and researcher involved in the proposed DSA-2000 radio telescope near the park. Dr. Pace will present on Friday, and Dr. Hallinan on Saturday.
Great Basin Observatory Tours
Advanced reservation for Great Basin Observatory Tours is highly encouraged. Reservations for two daily tours open at 8:00 am Pacific Time on August 5th. Register for GBO Tours at this link. After you sign up for a program you will receive instructions via e-mail. All park program participants must check in at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center the day of the program. Limited to 15 people per tour.
Two daily walk-up tours will also be available. Register same day at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center when it opens at 8:00am to claim your space. Limited to 15 people per tour.
Join a ranger to see the Great Basin Observatory the only research grade observatory in a National Park. Home to a 27-inch telescope, this observatory is used for research and education purposes. This program requires a 1-mile round trip hike on a gravel trail and paved road and standing for an hour. The Great Basin Observatory Tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Recommended equipment
Good walking shoes
Sun protection
Hat
Astronomy on Tap
Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap
Pub trivia, astronomy talks, along with food & drinks can all be found at Astronomy on Tap hosted by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) at two local venues. All ages are welcome and no sign-ups are required. Arrive early to get a seat!
Join presenters on Friday night at the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store right on Hwy 487 in Baker, just a short drive from events in the park. This event is outdoors on the back patio.
Saturday night will be hosted at Sugar, Salt, and Malt, a local restaurant along Hwy 487 in Baker. This event may be hosted outdoors if attendance is sufficient.
Art in the Dark challenges our perspectives of color under the red light which doesn't hinder our night vision.
NPS / B. Mills
Art in the Dark
Join a Ranger and our Artist-in-Residence in an art project that experiments with how our eyes see color. This accessible and kid-friendly program will challenge artists to create and paint in low light conditions, under the guidance of the Astronomy Rangers. All needed art supplies will be provided.
Together, visitors and rangers will create a dazzling art piece in the Astronomy Amphitheater. This large piece will then be displayed for the remainder of the festival for all to see and share in.
Recommended equipment
Blankets
Warm clothing
Astrophotography can be fun and rewarding if you can handle the cold temperatures and late hours required to get the perfect shot.
NPS
Photo Workshops
Join an experienced astrophotographer and longtime Great Basin volunteer Don Riddle to learn the basics of night photography. Throughout the festival, Don will host events on photo editing, milky way photography, and nightly workshops to introduce astrophotography to all those interested.
These workshops are intended for beginner photographers looking to start exploring how to take nighttime pictures. Learn the advantages of various camera formats, exposure times, composition, and much more to enhance your ability to take beautiful night sky images.
Equipment needed for evening workshops:
Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless)
Wide angle lens (stock lenses are ok. f stop lower than 3.2 is preferred)
Tripod
Remote shutter control (Recommended)
Red light headlamp
Warm clothes
Camp chair (Recommended)
Extra memory card
Extra camera batteries
Thumb drive
Constellation talks are brief but full of information about the night sky, including teaching us how to find our way in light polluted skies.
Tom Auchter
Constellation Talk
Join a ranger and volunteers for a night under the stars. This accessible program will guide visitors through the constellations, stars, and possibly galaxies visible to the unaided eye in the Great Basin night skies. Learn how to stargaze on your own for when you head back home.
Recommended equipment
Blankets
Warm clothing
Binoculars
Rangers will help you build your own constellation using provided supplies and pictures!
NPS / M. Van Wicklin
Solar Telescopes and Crafts
Behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, rangers will have a solar telescope set up, allowing anybody to come and view our planet's closest star safely. View sunspots and prominences, filaments and ejections through our specialized telescope and see the sun as you never have before.
Next to the telescope, join in creating small, take-home crafts. Build a constellation using pipe cleaner and UV sensitive beads which change color under sunlight and glow in the dark. Perfect for all ages! No registration required, just drop by.
Note: If weather is poor, solar scope will be set up but the sun may not be visible.
Ranger Programs
Join park rangers as they present their astronomy programs in the dark of the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Topics vary, but our dark sky rangers will guide you through the night sky, our relationships with the stars, and the protected dark of Great Basin.
Programs are free and require no advance registration, but the theater is limited in space. Some standing room is available.
Want to see some of these programs beyond the festival? Attend one of our many astronomy programs throughout the summer to see what our rangers have to share in addition to telescope viewing. Learn more here!
Accessibility
Have concerns about mobility or parking? What about bringing a service animal? Many questions about park programs and accessibility can be answered through our accessibility pages.
We strive to make every program just as easy to attend for every member of the public, regardless of ability. However, the nature of some telescopes make them impossible to view through without standing and balancing safely.
The best programs to attend for those with limited mobility will be:
All Ranger Programs and Guest Speakers
The Solar Crafts Table behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center each day
Constellation Talks at the Astronomy Amphitheater each night
Art in the Dark the first night of the festival at the Astronomy Amphitheater
All may attend the Star Party each night and volunteers may have devices to allow those unable to stand or balance to view the telescope's focus. Great Basin Observatory tours are not fully accessible due to the stairs and gravel pathways leading to the dome.
Worried about making it to the Astronomy Amphitheater from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center parking lot? Speak with a ranger when you arrive and let them know. Limited parking is available for those with mobility issues next to the telescope viewing area and Astronomy Amphitheater.
Weather and Cancellations
September tends to be a predictably mild month, but rain & thunderstorms may occur. In the event of poor weather, events may be cancelled or moved and notice will be posted at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center throughout the weekend.
Indoor events will take place rain or shine
Outdoor events will be cancelled due to rain or thunderstorms
Keynote speakers will be shifted to Baker Hall with posted signage in case of rain or thunder. Ample seating is available.
Clouds alone will not cancel any events. Events will continue at their regularly scheduled times.
