Shuttle to the Stars:
Exploring the Space Shuttle’s Place in History
Saturday, November 7, 2026
5:00 – 7:30 PM
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
Join us as we explore the Space Shuttle’s place in history, from its revolutionary reusable design to the missions that transformed space exploration. Learn how the shuttle changed access to low Earth orbit, the challenges it faced, and the lasting legacy it left behind. Discover how the program continues to influence the next generation of spacecraft and human spaceflight. Presentation will be followed by stargazing, a constellation tour, and telescope viewing.
Chad Hoing is an interpretive park ranger with the Bureau of Land Management at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. He has previously worked at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and Kaibab National Forest. His fascination with the night sky began during a camping trip in Wyoming, when he looked up on a dark night and saw the glowing band of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, stretching overhead. Today, Chad leads programs throughout the conservation area, helping visitors form their own meaningful connections with the night sky.
Ready for More Stargazing in 2026? We Need Your Help!
Our 2025 Star Parties were a massive success, bringing over 1,200 people together under the beautiful dark skies of Red Rock Canyon. This year, we’re planning even more opportunities to connect our community with the cosmos, but we can’t do it without you!
We are launching a fundraising initiative to support our goal of achieving the Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International.
Your donation will directly fund:
- Expanded Programming including night hikes and more frequent star gazing parties
- Essential Supplies like lighting, informational materials, and equipment to run safe and engaging star parties
- Educational Presentations from expert speakers on astronomy, light pollution and more
- Scientific Data Collection in order to successfully complete our application
Help us make 2026 our biggest and brightest year yet! Your support lights the way for conservation, education, and the protection of Red Rock Canyon’s breathtaking night sky.
Donate today and help us preserve the night sky experience at Red Rock Canyon!
Photo credit: Ben Robertson
Donate to the Project
Learn More
For details on the definition of an Urban Night Sky Place and eligibility criteria, visit the Dark Sky International website:
