Event
South Rim Village: Astronomy Night - Presentation and Sky Tour: History of the Solar System with Astronomer in Residence Dr. David Koerner
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 36.000000, -112.000000
From the South Entrance Station, continue following the road you are on for 5 miles, and it will lead you to the Visitor Center. Just before the parking areas, the road curves to the left. You can park your vehicle in one of four parking areas and find your way to the Visitor Center, in the center of the open plaza where restroom buildings, the park store, and the bicycle rental are also located. View the map below.
Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
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Type of Event
Description
Astronomy Night - Presentation - Sky Tour
History of the Solar System with Astronomer in Residence Dr. David Koerner
The histories of planets, moons, and asteroids orbiting the Sun are compared to the properties of known planets around other stars. Special emphasis will be given to the first 2.5 billion years of lunar history as a complement to Grand Canyon's history of the last 2 billion years. Long-term prospects for extraterrestrial life are assessed.
Learn about the science, mythology, and history of the constellations through a laser-guided constellation talk, all under one the darkest night skies in the United States!
Time: 7 pm (allow 1 hour)
Location: South Rim - Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater
Dr. David Koerner is an Emeritus Associate Professor in Astronomy and Planetary Science at NAU and an accomplished musician. He has conducted groundbreaking studies of planet-forming disks at NASA/JPL, co-authored a book on astrobiology, and developed innovative field courses combining astronomy and Earth history. He is a violinist and violist who performs with the Dark Sky Quartet and is also a featured pianist at the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Dr. Koerner will be Grand Canyon Conservancy Astronomer in Residence through November 4th, 2024.
More information
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
Photo courtesy of the astronomer
Photo courtesy Austin Mann
NPS
NPS photo
NPS/M. Quinn