Nordgren aims to spread the word about the wonders that emerge after the sun goes down at national parks, which are already packed during the day.
“It’s not just stargazing,” says Nordgren. “It’s nocturnal species. It’s the landscape. It’s the beauty of the moon, going on moonlight hikes. It’s Native American culture—all the amazing stories about what you see in the sky.”
Alexandra Bayer/Cornell University
2026 Bouchet Scholars. Back row, left to right: Jason Wu, Natalia Piñeros-Guerrero, Rikki Laser, and Cátia Dombaxe. Front row, left to right: Mohammed AlRizqi, Leonardo Salgado, Shola Onissema-Karimu, Aleesha George, and Beatrys Fernandes Rodrigues. Not pictured: Chelsea McNutt.