VALENTINE, Neb. - A record-breaking crowd is gathering under some of the darkest skies in the country this week for the Nebraska Star Party, held south of Valentine near Merritt Reservoir.

Among the more than 425 attendees — the largest turnout in the event’s history — was Sean Cunneen, a chef from Chicago who has cooked for high-profile events.

“We did food for the Oprah Show,” Cunneen said.

But when the sun sets, Cunneen trades his apron for a telescope. A self-proclaimed “astrochef,” he spends his free time building telescopes and exploring the night sky.

“Nebraska is probably the darkest skies in the country,” he said.

That’s why he and his daughter, Evelyn, made the trip to Valentine for the annual gathering of stargazers, astrophotographers and professional and amateur astronomers from across the country.

Among them was Phillip Young of Bristol, Illinois, who has returned to the Star Party year after year.

“When I was nine years old, Sputnik went up,” Young said. “I’ve been interested in space and astronomy since I was nine years old. I’m 77 now.”

He’s formed close friendships over the years, including with fellow attendee Michael Bauer from near Milwaukee.

“I originally came by myself,” Bauer said. “Then I met these guys here. We email each other and Facebook throughout the rest of the year.”

Bauer doesn’t just stargaze; he captures deep space through astrophotography. One of his favorite images? The Whirlpool Galaxy—spinning 31 million light-years away.

“The essay by Carl Sagan, ‘Pale Blue Dot’ — we’re just a pale, blue dot in the universe, and all the fighting and squabbling that’s going on is worthless because we’re all part of that pale, blue dot,” Young said.

It’s a humbling thought that continues to unite new and returning visitors alike.

“He will tell me that we’re getting in a car, and we’re going to drive somewhere, and I know it’s going to be cool, so I come with,” Evelyn Cunneen said of her dad.

As for Sean Cunneen, the dark skies of Nebraska are the perfect ingredient for his recipe of summer adventure.

“Get a piece of that really, really dark sky,” he said.

This year's party runs through July 25. Next year's event is scheduled for July 12–17, 2026.