After a five-year hiatus, the Great Basin Observatory Symposium (previously termed STARFEST) returned this May with a new setting, a broader vision, and a renewed commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and public lands stewards.
Held in late May at Great Basin National Park, the 2026 Great Basin Observatory Symposium brought together middle school students, high school students, college students, educators, university faculty, and astronomy enthusiasts from across the region for four days of research presentations, outdoor exploration, and unforgettable experiences beneath the Park’s amazing dark skies.
For the first time in the Symposium's history, the event took place within Great Basin National Park - previously STARFEST had been held at GBO university partner campuses. This year participants camped in the Park, hiked among ancient bristlecone pines, toured the Great Basin Observatory, attended star parties under spectacular night skies, and connected with one another through a shared passion for astronomy and discovery.
The immersive setting transformed the Symposium from a traditional conference into an experience that connected scientific research with the landscapes and resources that inspire it.
The Symposium showcased an impressive range of student-led astronomy research. Middle school students from White Pine Middle School presented on their double-star investigations. High school and university students shared their projects exploring topics that included: exoplanets, blue straggler stars, Monte Carlo simulations, galaxy monitoring, star cluster analysis, and the impacts of artificial light on dark skies. Presentations demonstrated not only scientific rigor, but also the power of mentorship and collaboration across age groups and institutions.
The event's purpose was simple but ambitious: to create a collaborative learning experience that connects Great Basin Observatory users with Great Basin National Park, its internationally recognized dark skies, and one another while fostering meaningful engagement in science, astronomy, and conservation.
Participants described the experience as "unforgettable," "educational," "magical," and "awe-inspiring." For many students, it was their first opportunity to present to a scientific audience, camp in a national park, or meet scientists and university students pursuing careers they had not imagined for themselves.
"This experience solidified my desire to pursue astrophysical research," shared University of Nevada, Reno student Allyson DeCremer. "I am incredibly grateful." Educator Caroline Murphree, a science teacher at White Pine Middle School, reflected that participating in the Symposium helped students envision pathways into higher education and science careers that had previously felt out of reach. She believes the experience may have changed the trajectory of some of their lives.
The Symposium was made possible through partnerships among Great Basin National Park Foundation, Great Basin National Park, Great Basin Observatory, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Southern Utah University. These partnerships created an event that celebrated curiosity, encouraged stewardship, and expanded access to authentic scientific experiences.
As participants packed up their tents and headed home, they carried with them more than research results and presentation experience. They left with new friendships, expanded horizons, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary connection between dark skies, scientific discovery, and our public lands.
Jeremy Gunter, a college freshman from Southern Utah University shared, “I enjoyed the scientific environment the event fostered. There are not a lot of astronomers back home. Attending the event was an amazing way to network. I absolutely will continue doing research using the GBO and I will absolutely come back and present at the next symposium.”
Bonifacio Jacinto, a college junior from the University of Nevada, Reno related, “This experience was unforgettable, informational, and extraordinary. I am going to continue to give time and effort to the sky, specifically the importance of preservation of clear skies.”