Flagstaff Celebrates its Star-Filled Night Skies

The 2023 Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night brought six weeks of exciting and awe-inspiring events showcasing Flagstaff’s beautiful night skies!

For 2023 we had an exciting program, including the premier of new kid-centric activities, and the tenth Flagstaff Star Party!

See our 2023 Sponsors

Protection of the night sky began in Flagstaff in 1958 – and Flagstaff continues to set the standard for effective night sky protection. A High Country News story by Peter Friederici – Stargazers defend darkness in Arizona – and David Portree’s award-winning story Flagstaff’s Battle for Dark Skies describe our special history and role in what is now an international dark-sky movement. This article is just one recent example showing what success looks like, and that it is being noticed!

2023 Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night Events

(2023 events are over – stay tuned for 2024!)

	Calendar Under Construction – Stay Tuned!
	LIVESTREAM: The importance of Dark Skies with Kevin Schindler, Dean Regas, Chris Luginbuhl – in partnership with the Flagstaff Star Party, Lowell Observatory, and Grand Canyon Conservancy	When: 10 Sep Time: 8:00-9:00 PM Where: LIVE Online Link Below
	A Dark Sky is Night's Window to the Universe When the great earth, abandoning day, rolls up the deeps of the heavens and the universe, a new door opens for the human spirit…" – Henry Beston Spend an hour with Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler, Dean Regas, astronomer and cohost of the PBS television show Star Gazers, and Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition president Chris Luginbuhl as we explore the meaning and importance of dark skies, our "window on the universe." What is a "Dark Sky City" and what is a "Dark Sky Park"? What do dark skies mean to us? What can you do to keep the skies dark where you are, or restore them if they are already bright?
	>>This program was recorded and is available for viewing on the Grand Canyon Conservancy YouTube channel<< GO TO EVENT

	FLAGSTAFF STAR PARTY Thurs Sept 21 thru Sat Sept 23
	THURSDAY September 21
	FAMILY ACTIVITY: Constellations in our Night Sky	When: 21 Sep 6:00-6:30 PM Where: Buffalo Park Pavilion
	Embark on a celestial adventure with Lowell Observatory educators as we learn about the different constellations in the night sky. Through hands-on activities and engaging storytelling, kids will learn how to identify iconic constellations and connect the dots to reveal captivating shapes while also learning how to navigate the night sky. Whether you're a young stargazer or an aspiring astronaut, our constellation adventure offers an unforgettable blend of education and excitement.
	Sunset Shadows and Circles Brian Skiff	When: 21 Sep 6:00-6:30 PM Where: Buffalo Park 1/4 mile marker on the urban trail (10 minute walk from parking area!)
	Have you ever watched the sunset in the east? Join Lowell Observatory's Brian Skiff as he takes you on insightful tour of the subtle transition from sunset into twilight at Flagstaff's Buffalo Park, including the Earth-shadow and Belt of Venus in the east, as well as layered pastel colors over the Sun in the west. Join lifelong sky watcher Brian and watch shadows stretch to the eastern horizon! See this preview from the 2020 Flagstaff Star Party The Heiligenschein
	TWILIGHT TALK -- Lights Out: Nocturnal migrating birds headed our way! Kay Hawklee	When: 21 Sep 6:45-7:15 PM Where: Buffalo Park Pavilion
	Join Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) President, Kay Hawklee to learn more about helping birds succeed on their heroic journeys as they migrate through the night skies. Keeping our nocturnal migrants safe from disorienting lighting is a win/win/win for birds, stargazers, and the planet. NAAS will have tips from Audubon’s “Lights Out” program and Environment for the America’s “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night.”
	Hosted Telescope Observing	When: 21 Sep 6:00-10:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park
	Constellation and Night Sky Tours with the naked eye Kevin Schindler	When: 21 Sep 8:00-9:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park, north of the telescopes
	A Historian's Guide to the Current Night Sky Every star, planet, and other member of the night sky contributes something to our understanding of the cosmos. They have also historically played key roles in culture and our everyday lives. In this program under the blanket of Flagstaff's dark skies, Kevin Schindler will point out several stars, constellations, and the Moon, and then share some of their science, mythology, and connections to daily life.
	FRIDAY September 22
	FAMILY ACTIVITY: Dark Skies Storytime	When: 22 Sep 6:00-6:30 PM Where: Buffalo Park Pavilion
	Join staff from the Flagstaff Public Library for an evening of storytelling, songs, and more that celebrate nighttime and the dark!
	Sunset Shadows and Circles (reprise) Brian Skiff	When: 22 Sep 6:00-6:30 PM Where: Buffalo Park 1/4 mile marker on the urban trail (10 minute walk from parking area!)
	Have you ever watched the sunset in the east? Join Lowell Observatory's Brian Skiff as he takes you on insightful tour of the subtle transition from sunset into twilight at Flagstaff's Buffalo Park, including the Earth-shadow and Belt of Venus in the east, as well as layered pastel colors over the Sun in the west. Join lifelong sky watcher's Brian and watch shadows stretch to the eastern horizon! See this preview from the 2020 Flagstaff Star Party The Heiligenschein
	TWILIGHT TALK -- Guided by the Night: Can Animals See the Stars? Dr. Michael West	When: 22 Sep 6:45-7:15 PM Where: Buffalo Park Pavilion
	Human beings have always watched the skies, so it’s not surprising that astronomy is the oldest of all sciences. But what about other animals, can they see the stars too? In this talk, Lowell Observatory's Dr. Michael West will share how some animals use the stars for hunting or migrating, while others lack the vision to be stargazers.
	Hosted Telescope Observing	When: 22 Sep 6:00-10:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park
	Constellation and Night Sky Tours with the naked eye	When: 22 Sep 8:00-9:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park, north of the telescopes
	Join Lowell Observatory's Brian Skiff to get the "big picture" of the night sky and the universe it reveals overhead.
	Owl Prowl	When: 22 Sep 8:00-8:45 PM Where: Buffalo Park, meet at the Pavilion
	Join Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) guides in a night walk through the wilds of Buffalo Park on a search for the silent hunters. We'll creep through the woods hoping to hear their calls and learn more about these mysterious birds along the way.
	SATURDAY September 23
	Live Music - Duo Catalina Jeanette Hirasawa Moore and Andrea Redcay Graves	When: 23 Sep 6:00-7:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park Pavilion
	Enjoy the ethereal flautist's Jeannette Hirasawa Moore and Andrea Graves as they play us into the night! Jeannette Hirasawa Moore has appeared as soloist with the Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Ensemble Sir Ernest MacMillan and Verde Valley Sinfonietta. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees in Flute Performance from the University of Toronto as a student of Douglas Stewart. Originally from Canada, Jeannette performed in many orchestras in the Toronto area and toured the Far East with Phantom of the Opera before moving to Waco Texas and then Flagstaff. She currently plays Principal Flute with the Flagstaff Symphony, Sedona Symphony and Arizona Philharmonic and with the chamber ensembles Ponderosa Players and Duo Catalina. Andrea Redcay Graves has performed throughout the United States, in Central America, and in the United Kingdom and currently performs in Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Sedona Symphony, Arizona Philharmonic, and chamber ensembles Ponderosa Players and Duo Catalina. Andrea has published music for alto flute and piano on Progress Press; recorded with Camerata Woodwind Quintet on Crystal Records; taught flute at Western Illinois University and currently enjoys teaching all ages at her Flagstaff music studio. She holds degrees from Texas Tech University (B.M), The Juilliard School (M.M.), and The University of North Texas (D.M.A.)
	Hosted Telescope Observing	When: 23 Sep 6:00-10:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park
	Indigenous Arabian Night Sky Tour Dr. Danielle Adams	When: 23 Sep 8:00-9:00 PM Where: Buffalo Park, north of the telescopes
	Faint stars are a big part of the story! Cultural astronomer Dr. Danielle Adams will take Flagstaff Star Party participants on an inspiring journey to discover the astronomical knowledge of ancient Arabia and its enduring heritage in some of the star names we use today. Under the beautiful dark sky over Buffalo Park, she will showcase the importance of dark skies to the development of the rich cultural traditions that connect us to the stars.

	Night Sky Photography Workshop Stan Honda	When: 7 Oct 5:30-8:30 PM Where: Moonshot at NACET
	Join photojournalist Stan Honda. This extraordinary opportunity will allow participants to learn how to photograph the night sky with a master. Honda will conduct a three-part workshop introducing basic techniques to capture beautiful night sky photos with modern digital cameras. The three-hour session will include learning about your camera, a short slideshow of Honda’s work, and (weather permitting) a photo shoot in the beautiful night skies at Buffalo Park. RESERVATION REQUIRED MORE INFORMATION and PURCHASE TICKETS

	Flagstaff Dark Skies speaker series at Coconino Community College The Flagstaff Dark Skies Speaker Series is hosted by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition with support from Coconino Community College.
	Jeremy Perez: Flashes in the Night Jeremy Perez	When: 2 Oct 7:00-8:00 PM Where: Coconino Community College Lone Tree Campus Community Room
	From tempestuous weather to space weather, storm chasing and space event chasing can expand our opportunities under dark skies. This photographic tour will explore beautiful night skies and the weather and other events that mingle with them.
	Dr. Danielle Adams: Indigenous Arabian Astronomy and Dark Skies Dr. Danielle Adams	When: 9 Oct 7:00-8:00 PM Where: Coconino Community College Lone Tree Campus Community Room
	Does your favorite star have an Arabic name? Join cultural astronomer Dr. Danielle Adams as she showcases the importance of dark skies to the development of the rich cultural traditions of indigenous Arabian astronomy. Drawing from 6th–10th century CE Arabic texts, she will demonstrate how dark desert skies enabled faint stars near the limits of naked-eye visibility to take prominent roles in the formation of indigenous Arabian star groupings and the stories that gave brighter stars their names.