Dr. David Koerner is an Emeritus Associate Professor in Astronomy and Planetary Science at NAU and an accomplished musician. He has conducted groundbreaking studies of planet-forming disks at NASA/JPL, co-authored a book on astrobiology, and developed innovative field courses combining astronomy and Earth history. He is a violinist and violist who performs with the Dark Sky Quartet and is also a featured pianist at the Grand Canyon Music Festival.

During his time at Grand Canyon, Dr. Koerner worked on a book that connects individuals with vast stretches of time, and wrote and performed musical compositions that emotively represent significant periods of time in Grand Canyon’s sky and strata. He also presented several astronomy lectures and constellation programs on both the North Rim and South Rim.

He was selected as Grand Canyon's 11th Astronomer in Residence.

Residency Accomplishments

• David performed 6 night-sky themed piano recitals on the North Rim and South Rim, including performances at Cape Royal under the stars, the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, and Hopi Point at Sunset.
• Performed two original ngiht-sky themed compositions, "Summer Triangle" and "Winter Triangle."
• Delivered 14 public programs, including laser-guided constellation talks and various astronomy lectures.
• 1,600 visitor attendance
• Delivered a surprise piano performance at Hopi Point during sunset
• Minute Out In It Film
• Worked on a book themed around deep time.

Media Coverage of Dr. David Koerner's Residency

Under the Grand Canyon's dark skies, an astronomer finds a universe of real stars - AZ Central