Here we go with another Grand Canyon Star Party! Each year we are privileged to meet people from all over the world and share the beauty of the Grand Canyon’s exquisitely dark skies.
The GCSP Team shares its deepest thanks and a warm welcome to this year’s event. Our sincerest hope is that you will have an enjoyable and fruitful time while inspiring others to appreciate dark skies and the wonders of astronomy.
Registration Overview:
Astronomers and other Volunteers must be registered in order to participate in the event and to engage the Public within the National Park.
From TAAA, this means completing the Astronomer Registration form. Additionally if you are requesting the use of a complimentary campsite at the Grand Canyon’s Mather Campground, you will need to complete a Campsite request form.
From the National Park Service, this means completing a Volunteer Opportunity Application (Formerly “VSA”) and completing their requisite review of documents (job description, etc.).
You will then receive updates via email regarding your application/registration status, next steps in the process, and about other important event news.
Volunteer Registration Information
ASTRONOMER REGISTRATION FORM – Click Link to Form here.
Astronomer Volunteers must complete the Astronomer Registration Form at a minimum. IF you are also requesting one of the complimentary campsites, you must complete the campsite application as well.
To register as a National Park Service Volunteer at the South Rim each volunteer must complete the Volunteer Service Agreement. Those who register as a Volunteer Astronomer will receive a link to sign the VSA agreement electronically. This is agreement is MANDATORY to participate in the Star Party.
2025 GCSP North Rim ASTRONOMER Registration (coming soon – CURRENTLY CLOSED)
IMPORTANT. If you plan to stay in one of the complimentary campsites, register using the below link. You must do this IN ADVANCE as the campsite availability can go quickly. To qualify, you will need to volunteer for 4 evenings as a minimum (at the beginning or the end of the event). If you only want a few days in the middle, requests will be evaluated on a space available basis.
Volunteer Complimentary CAMPSITE – Application Click Here
All other Volunteer Forms (coming soon) are available at this link and must be read prior to volunteering at GCSP. Print and BRING the Hours and Contacts form and turn in the completed form upon completion of your service. Failure to complete and submit will result in NOT being allowed to use a complimentary campsite next year. You may also want to print and bring any of the other forms.
For more information for the South Rim star party please contact:
GCSP Team
Coordinator: Bernie Sanden
Registrar: Gary Wells
Campground Coordinator: Mae Smith
Lead Ranger: Rader Lane
Mail:
GCSP Registrar
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
P.O. Box 41254
Tucson, AZ 85717
Registrar E-mail: gcsp-registrar[at]tucsonastronomy.org
General Information or to contact the team: gcsp[at]tucsonastronomy.org
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Also visit the excellent National Park Services star party site. And here is a time lapse video taken by late TAAA member Dean Ketelsen at the 2011 event and a GCSP 2022 Timelapse from Bob Rose.
Or to RSVP for the North Rim star party please contact:
Steve Rottas, Saguaro Astronomy Club
Coordinator, Grand Canyon Star Party, North Rim
E-mail: gcnrspcoordinator[at]saguaroastro[dot]org