General Meeting
Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting
Next (ONLINE): Thursday, April 9, 2026
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Come join us for a presentation from the fundamentals of amateur astronomy. Learn your way around the night sky to add to your observing enjoyment. Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month.
You can find our past recordings on the Club’s YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXbeCAsGDdSZlqE0IAEUBmZxvmCUJi5Tr
Contact: Connor Justice
Email: fundamentals[at]tucsonastronomy.org
(Almost) Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing at Flandrau Planetarium
August 27 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
An Almost (90%) Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Tucson and surrounding areas the evening of August 27th. The partial Eclipse begins 6:45 PM (Tucson Time), Maximum eclipse at 9:12 PM (Tucson Time), Eclipse ends at 12:01 AM.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes set up on the University of Arizona Mall in front of Flandrau Science Center. Viewing will be available from 7:30 to 10 PM. For real-time updates, follow our Facebook Event.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
September 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) and Saguaro National Park – East District, for some Sun gazing at the park. We will observe the Sun through telescopes with appropriate filters so you will get to see sunspots, prominences, flares, and more.
The Sun is at its peak in the sunspot cycle so there is LOTS of activity on its surface.
This event is FREE and open to the public, no reservations required. NPS admission fees apply.
The telescopes will be set up at the entrance to the Visitors Center.
This event will most likely be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Stargazing at Oracle State Park
September 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House
- Typically a music event prior, check the park’s website below.
- Star Party telescope viewing (7:00 – 9:00pm)
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park.
3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623
Star Party open to the Public. Admission fees for entrance into Oracle State Park apply.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will be observing the Moon + Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, and Star Clusters.
Great opportunity to look through a wide variety of telescopes. Weather dependent.
For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook event page: TAAA Facebook Events page
Also: Check the Oracle State Park website for additional information and activities that day:
Star Party at Oracle State Park | Oracle State Park (azstateparks.com)
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Stargazing at Tumacácori National Historical Park
September 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join TAAA and the National Park Service for an evening of stargazing at Tumacacori National Historical Park . Address below.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) will have several telescopes with volunteer astronomers, for astronomical viewing, in front of the Old Mission.
We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes.
Event is free, no reservations required, but NPS admission fees apply.
Weather dependent, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook event page: TAAA Facebook Events page for weather updates on day of event.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Stargazing @ Picacho Peak State Park
September 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Truely dark skies at a scenic location – Picacho Peak State Park
Star Party is open to the Public. Event is free but park admission fees apply.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several advanced amateur telescopes for astronomical viewing.
We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more.
Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes at a really dark location.
Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/events
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Stargazing at Agua Caliente Park
September 11 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Viewing Location: Bus Lanes @ North end of Parking Lot
Information: Great dark skies in Northeast Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. Cost: FREE.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes.
Park gate may close before event end time, so arrive as close to start time as possible. Weather dependent.
For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page: ((4) Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Facebook)
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
These events fill up fast so recommend registering early.
To Register go to: Pima County Parks and Recreation Then Log in or Create an account. Once logged in click on “Environmental Education”. You should get the Pop-up screen “Register for a Program”. Scroll down to the event on the list and click on the “Register” button. You must be logged in for the Registration screen to work.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
Planets of the Month: July 2026
by Erich Karkoschka
Jupiter leaves the evening sky after the first week for its conjunction with the sun on the 29th.
Venus is at its best visibility of 2026, setting around 10 pm. It passes Regulus on the 9th.
Saturn rises around midnight. Its rings are further open than during any other month in 2026 and 11 times further open than at the beginning of the year.
Mars rises between 2 and 3 am. It moves through the northern part of the Hyades.
Mercury starts its morning apparition on the 27th.
The Moon passes Mars on the 11th. After the New Moon on the 14th, it is a very thin crescent on the 15th, passes Regulus on the 16th, Venus on the 17th, and Antares on the 24th.
Planets of the Month: June 2026
By Erich Karkoschka
Venus and Jupiter form a bright planet pair in the early evening sky. They are closest on the 8th, 1.7 degrees apart. Both planets are to the left of Pollux (Gemini the Twins). Venus has its latest set time mid-month at 10:10 pm. By the end of the month, Jupiter will be far below Venus, setting during twilight.
Mercury joins both bright planets until the 25th. During the first three weeks, it will be easily visible, setting around 9 pm.
Saturn rises around 2 am. Its rings show as an oval again after they appeared as a straight line last year.
Mars rises around 3 am and remains very low during dawn.
ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting –June 2026
HYBRID – General Meeting – June 2026
June 5 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
TBD