NPS/Marker Marshall
Telescopes at Yavapai Point at the 2008 Star Party.
On the South Rim, events included a slide show nightly at 8:00 p.m. next to Yavapai Observation Station, followed by telescope viewing in the Yavapai parking lot and the dirt lot below. Since parking was very limited, visitors arrived by the park’s free shuttle bus, which ran until 11:00 p.m. For a comfortable spot at the slide shows, visitors arrived early and brought something to sit on. Telescope viewing continued well into the night. Visitors were able to arrive any time after dark.
On the North Rim, the nightly slide program was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Canyon Lodge auditorium. Telescopes were set up on the porch of the Lodge every evening. Telescopes were available by day as well, and bulletin boards at the Visitor Center listed additional events such as star talks.
Nighttime temperatures at the canyon were quite cool, this summer. Those attending the star parties were encouraged to bring warm layers of clothing. Visitors to the South Rim Star Party were also asked to bring a flashlight for the walk to the viewing area.
