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:

09:00 am - 11:00 am: 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.
11:30 pm - 12:00 pm: Ranger Astronomy Program - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. 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 - Listen to a ranger at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center discuss a night sky related subject. 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.
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.
07:00 pm - 08:00 pm: Guest Speaker - At the Astronomy Amphitheater, Dr. Richard Plotkin, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, will discuss his involvement with the Great Basin Observatory and about his research looking to the stars.
07:30 pm - 09:30 pm: 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 the Bristlecone General Store! All ages welcome.
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.