The Astronomy Festival is one of the most exciting and busy events and weekends at Great Basin National Park. The festival features guest speakers, rare tours, ranger programs, art projects, and dark skies.
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.
Schedule of Events:
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.
11:00 - 12:00pm: Guest Speaker - Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Jessica Rzeszut to learn about the James Webb Space Telescope and its mission is to solve the mysteries in our solar system, look to distant worlds, and probe the origins of our Universe.
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: Guest Speaker - NASA/JPL Ambassador Jerry Hilburn will share about the Great Basin Observatory and the outreach program for teachers, students, and amateur astronomers.
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: Keynote 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.
