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.

Schedule of Events:

11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Explore a night sky related subject with a ranger in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center theater. Topics vary.
12:00 pm - 01:00 pm: 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.
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm: 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.
01:30 pm - 03:30 pm: 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.
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park.
03:30 pm - 04:00 pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Explore a night sky related subject with a ranger in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center theater. Topics vary.
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm: Great Basin Observatory Tour - Meet at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and follow a ranger to the only research grade observatory inside a national park.
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm: 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.
06:30 pm - 07:00 pm: Bats in the Night Ranger Talk - Find a park ranger on the back patio of the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to learn about bats and their connection to the night sky.
07:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Astrophotography Workshop - Join astrophotographer Don Riddle at the Baker Archaeological Site outside the park and learn how to take photos of the night sky.
07:30 pm - 08:30 pm: 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.
08:00 pm - 11:00 pm: 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.
09:00 pm - 09:30 pm: 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.