The Astronomy Events Calendar: Major Star Parties and Other Astronomy Events

The Astronomy Events Calendar

Regional, National and International Star Parties and other Astronomy Events

Hosted by AmSky
Astronomy - Telescope Making - Astrophotography
Written by amateur astronomers - like you
amsky.com

Add Your Event Update Your Event

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.

JANUARY

European AstroFest
Kensington Conference and Events Centre
London, England, United Kingdom
Europe's largest astronomy and space convention, organized by Astronomy Now magazine. http://www.facebook.com/AstroFest
FEBRUARY

SCAS Winter Star Party
Florida Keys
Marathon, Florida, USA
At West Summerland Key (a.k.a. "Spanish Harbor Key") in the Florida Keys. Astrophotographers and amateur astronomers often bring their families from across the U.S. and around the globe to make it a truly international event. Southern winter skies are a real treat for our Canadian and northern friends! This special 6 day long "Stellar Star Party" includes vendors promoting their latest products for amateur astronomy, nationally recognized guest speakers, a popular "Kids Kamp", mirror-grinding lessons, the ever popular door prize giveaway on Friday afternoon and much more!

Death Valley Star Party
Death Valley National Park/Furnace Creek Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park invites the Las Vegas Astronomical Society to conduct their Annual Death Valley Star Party. Enjoy crystal clear desert skies at night. During the day enjoy horseback riding, golfing the world's lowest golf course, biking, touring Death Valley National Park, tennis, spa treatments, spring-fed pools, and gourmet meals at the beautiful Furnace Creek Resort. Call Phyllis at (760) 786-3353 for special Resort rates and additional information.
MARCH

Tri Star
Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, North Carolina, USA
The Triad Starfest, TriStar for short, is a gathering of astronomers of all types, from novice to professional, for a full day of presentations, displays, & observing. The event allows astronomy enthusiasts to share ideas, learn about a range of astronomical topics, get together with old friends, and make new ones. On the campus of GTCC in Jamestown, NC. In addition to a series of speakers scheduled throughout the day, there will be a wide range of astronomical displays, assorted astronomy-related vendors, prize drawings, "how-to" help for astronomy beginners, an astrophotography exhibition, and daytime and nighttime observing sessions (weather permitting).

Central European Deepsky Imaging Conference
Ars Electronica Center
Linz, Austria
Two whole days of sessions - covering all topics regarding astronomical imaging - should establish a new pan european information standard; for professionals as well as for beginners.

The OzSky Star Safari
Warrumbungles Mountain Motel
Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia
The OzSky Star Safari (formerly called the Deepest South Texas Star Safari) is an exclusive annual event held near Coonabarabran, NSW - The Astronomy Capital of Australia - aimed primarily at assisting amateur observers from the Northern Hemisphere by providing them with the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Southern skies without the need to transport large telescopes. OzSky 2019 will be held during the week of March 31 - April 7, 2019, however many participants often choose to arrive in Sydney a few days earlier to explore the City of Sydney or simply to acclimatize to the local time zone. For further details, including booking and registration information, please visit: http://www.OzSky.org .

International Dark Sky Week
Everywhere
Created in 2003 by high-school student Jennifer Barlow, International Dark Sky Week has grown to become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month. Each year it is held in April around Astronomy Day. This year celebrations begin on Sunday, March 31, and run through Saturday, April 7 (click here for resources to use during the week).
APRIL

Northeast Astronomy Forum, Space & Telescope Show (NEAF)
Rockland Community College
Suffern, NY, USA
The world's largest astronomy show! Over 100 vendors, 8 speakers, Saturday and Sunday Workshops and much, much more.

Southern Star Astronomical Convention
Wildacres Retreat
Little Switzerland, North Carolina, USA
Formal Astronomy Presentations ⋅ Equipment Display ⋅ Astro-imaging Display ⋅ Swap Table Wildacres is a private retreat with modern facilities including motel-like private rooms with bath, a glass-enclosed dining room combining great family-style meals with beautiful views overlooking the mountain ridges, and a small auditorium. All of these facilities are tucked away under the trees at the top of a mountain ridge, but with enough open areas for viewing the night skies.

NorthEast Astro-Imaging Conference (NEAIC)
Crowne Plaza Conference Center
Suffern, NY, USA
IMAGINE! In the past decade, NEAIC has grown in both size and stature, becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated astronomical imaging conferences in the United States. Devoted to all aspects of Astronomical Imaging, this two-day event hosts leaders and acknowledged experts in extra solar planets, variable star, minor planets, asteroids, comets, and supernova research with the intention of fostering pro-am collaborations. With attendance expected to be nearly 200, you will be very busy both days networking and learning from both amateur, semi-pro, and professional astronomers.

South Jersey Astronomy Club Spring Star Party
Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain, New Jersey, USA
SJAC Sring Star Party will be held at one of the darkest sites in the region -- the athletic field at Belleplain State forest.

Mid-South Star Gaze and Astronomy Conference
Rainwater Observatory
French Camp, Mississippi, USA
Rainwater Observatory is gearing up for its annual Midsouth Stargaze and Astronomy Conference coming up April 22-25, 2020! This event attracts amateur and professional astronomers from around the country. It is held under one of the few remaining dark skies in the southeastern United States and just off the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway near the village of French Camp, Mississippi. Join us this year for fun, fellowship, observing, door prizes and fascinating presentations by professional astronomers and others! Registration and conference details can be found at our website.
MAY

RTMC Astronomy Expo
Farewell to the RTMC


For 51 years, the RTMC Astronomy Expo, formerly the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference, was the premier astronomy event in the western US. The RTMC Astronomy Expo was held for the last time in 2019.


Star Gaze Star Party
Trap Pond State Park
Laurel, DE, USA
Cancelled for 2019. Check the website for 2020.

Camp Delany Star party
Sunlakes State Park
Coulee City, Washington, USA
There are cabins, a meeting area and dining area as well as hot showers. The cost is $60 and includes 8 meals, a place to sleep or park your camper and great dark skies.

South Pacific Star Party (Australia)
Wiruna - ASNSW's Premier Dark Sky Site
Ilford, New South Wales, Australia
The South Pacific Star Party (SPSP) is an Annual gathering of Amateur and professional Astronomers from across Australia and the World. The SPSP typically includes formal daytime workshops, as well as formal and informal lectures, while evening events include observing, socialising, and public sky tours for those of you who are not so familiar with the stellar skyscape, or if you just want to view some of the more obscure objects in the sky.

NCRAL 2019 (North Central Region of the Astronomical League)
Stony Creek Hotel & Convention Center
Moline, IL, USA
Greetings from the Popular Astronomy Club, host for NCRAL 2019 May 3-5 in Moline, Illinois. The theme is Astronomical Voyages of Discovery: Past, Present, and Future. Registration is open with an "early bird" discount through March 15. We have a full program planned with speakers, door prizes, side trips, good food, and opportunities to network with other amateur astronomers. Everyone welcome! Any questions email us at 2019NCRALInfo@gmail.com

Tennessee Spring Star Party
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Pikeville, Tennessee ,
TSSP is a dark sky speaker, vender , and observing astronomy event. Talks will occur on Saturday, observing on Friday and Saturday nights. The public will be welcomed with Park van service from 7 to 10 from the FCF’s Inn. No registration or fee, make your own lodging and meals accommodations. The observing field is a no can amping zone however you may observe all night and snack and nap as you want. Red light rules apply. Hope to see you at TSSP.

Astronomy Day
World Wide
Check the web site for the latest information about Astronomy Day. Contact the Astronomy Day Headquarters or astronomy club or planetarium nearest you for specific information. Be sure to put "Astronomy Day" in subject line.

Aurora Borealis Weekend
Gordon's Park Dark Sky Preserve
Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada
Aurora Watch, Camping and Observing in the RASC designated Dark Sky Preserve with workshops, slide shows, wine & cheese welcome, presentations, photographing the Aurora and more. To register: 705-859-2470 To inquire: rita@gordonspark.com

Texas Star Party
3500 acre ranch
Ft. Davis, TX, USA
Week-long gathering of 400+ amateur astronomers under very dark skies, afternoon and evening talks, vendors, astrophoto, sketching, ATM, and observing activities and contests.

Adult Girl Scout Leaders Astronomy Camp
Mt. Lemmon Observatory
Tucson, Arizona, USA
STEM training workshop held at Biosphere 2 sponsored by NASA through SETI Institute and NIRCam for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Symposium on Telescope Science
Ontario, CA, USA
The annual SAS Symposium has become one of the premiere events for amateur astronomers and for building pro-am collaborations. Amateurs, and some professionals, make presentations covering a wide range of topics, from imaging basics, to photometry, to spectroscopy, to instrumentation, and more. Observing targets reach from near-Earth to the edges of the Universe. If you're at least a little interested in astronomical research, this is one of the events you should plan to attend each year.

Wisconsin Observers Weekend
Hartman Creek State Park
Waupaca, WI, USA
Enjoy a laid-back weekend of observing at this regional event held under the dark skies of central Wisconsin. Sponsor: NEWSTAR (NorthEast Wisconsin STARgazers) Information: bpeter76@yahoo.com Web: WWW.new-star.org

Cherry Springs Star Party
Cherry Springs State Park
Coudersport, Pennsylvania, USA
The Cherry Springs Star Party or CSSP will be held at Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, PA. Cherry Springs State Park is well known for very dark skies and we hope you'll enjoy them with us at the Cherry Springs Star Party!

Michiana Star Party
Dr. T.K. Lawless Park
Vandalia, Michigan, USA
The Michiana Astronomical Society will be holding it's 12th annual star party May 31 through June 2, 2019. Michiana Star Party Nine - MSP9 Location: Dr. T.K. Lawless Park 15122 Monkey Run Street Vandalia, MI 49095 It's about 35 miles north east of South Bend, IN.
JUNE

Apollo Rendezvous
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery & John Bryan Observatory
Dayton, Ohio, USA
Apollo Rendezvous, hosted by the Miami Valley Astronomical Society in Dayton, Ohio, is one of the premier annual gatherings of amateur astronomers in the Midwest. Visit http://www.mvas.org/ or contact: Linda Weiss AR Chair ar@mvas.org

Spring Starfest
Evergreens Cemetery
Brooklyn, New York, USA
take a tour of our solar system and universe during its annual Spring Starfest in Woodlawn Cemetery. The0756 goal is to teach, educate, and foster a culture of stargazing and public science engagement.

Beginning Teen Astronomy Camp
Mt. Lemmon Observatory
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Astronomy Camps are immersion adventures in DOING science. Participants become astronomers operating large telescopes (20, 60, 61-inch diameters), interacting with leading scientists, and interpreting their own scientific measurements. The Camps are held in the "Sky Island" environment of Mt. Lemmon Observatory (9200 feet). Participants observe not only by eye but also by recording celestial objects to learn first-hand about astronomy, physics, mathematics, and engineering. Camps include daytime lectures, tour of the University's Mirror Lab, and hands-on activities about forefront topics. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required.

Beginning/Advanced Astronomy Camp for Adults
Mt. Lemmon Observatory
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Mt. Lemmon Observatory Introductory coverage of astronomy, engineering, & physical science; operate 12, 24, and 32-inch telescopes; observe with the 61" Kuiper telescope.

Spring Meeting of the AAVSO
Toranto, Ontario, Canada
The AAVSO usually organizes two meetings each year, one in the fall (usually late-October) and one in the spring (usually April or May). Meetings are held in different locations each year. This makes it more convenient for members and observers from different regions of the US (and abroad) to attend. Anyone interested in the AAVSO and its activities is invited and encouraged to participate in our meetings.

Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival
Bryce Canyon National Park
Cedar City, Utah, USA
Annual Astronomy Festival under the last great sanctuary of dark skies. Oriented to general public. Solar viewing, workshops, science lectures, ranger talks, guest speakers, telescope viewing, and dark skies (limiting magnitude 7+). Guest astronomers with telescopes must register prior to arriving.

Advanced Teen Astronomy Camp
Mt. Lemmon Observatory
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Astronomy Camps are immersion adventures in DOING science. Participants become astronomers operating large telescopes (20, 60, 61-inch diameters), interacting with leading scientists, and interpreting their own scientific measurements. The Camps are held in the "Sky Island" environment of Mt. Lemmon Observatory (9200 feet). Participants observe not only by eye but also by recording celestial objects to learn first-hand about astronomy, physics, mathematics, and engineering. Camps include daytime lectures, tour of the University's Mirror Lab, and hands-on activities about forefront topics. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required.

Grand Canyon Star Party
Grand Canyon National Park North and South Rims
Tusayan, AZ, AZ, USA
The Grand Canyon Star Party is a public star party. You can volunteer with your telescope, or just join us under some of the darkest skies in the country. See the website for details.

Green Bank Star Quest
Green Bank National Radio Asrtonomy Observatory
Green Bank, West Virginia, USA
Optical and radio astronomy star party. Held in the senic high mountain valley at the Green Bank National Radio Asrtonomy Observatory. Educational and fun event for the whole family. Camping, observing at you campsite, hot showers nearby, Snack Bar and hot home style meals available on site. Keynote speaker Dr. Seth Shostak and other noted speakers nightly. Workshops, presetations and childrens activities daily. Some of the best beautifull dark night skys (weather permitting) in the east. It may not be heaven but we feel it is pretty close.

Rocky Mountain Star Stare
Starry Meadows, Gardner, CO
Gardner, CO, United States
Rocky Mountain Star Stare (RMSS) is an annual star party sponsored by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society. Held every summer, RMSS has been one of the nation’s premier star parties for the last 30 years. Located on 35 acres of land, RMSS’s “Starry Meadows” is conveniently located just over two hours southwest of Colorado Springs (just outside of Gardner, CO), between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountain ranges, at an altitude of 7,612 feet above sea level. RMSS annually plays host to 350+ amateur and professional astronomers, family and friends.

Craters of the Moon Star Party
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Arco, Idaho, USA
•View planets, galaxies, gas clouds and double stars! • Get expert sky guidance and astronomy info! • All telescopes available for public viewing! • Don’t forget to bring your own telescope and binoculars too! • Overnight camping sites available in the campground. • RV overnight parking allowed in caves parking area for astronomers with a telescope. We are asked to not block the north pull-through parking.

Golden State Star Party
Frosty Acres Ranch
Adin, California, USA
Located at Frosty Acres Ranch near the town of Adin in northeast California, GSSP is at an elevation of 4400 feet with a stunning view of Mount Shasta 66 miles to the west. Our event combines excellent skies with picturesque wilderness and farmland, nearby towns, great catered food, and distance from city lights. This will be the 10th year for this event.
JULY