Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Chiricahua National Monument Astronomy Event
2019-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix) | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
TAAA Stargazing to view amazing solar system and deep sky objects. You will see planets, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, and lots more. We will have several telescopes for public viewing. Observing location is Echo Canyon Trailhead. A talk is scheduled before observing Bonita Campground Amphitheater at 6:00 pm with observing from 7 – 9 pm. Please try to use red light flashlights and minimize white light (to include cell phones) that will hinder your night vision. Chiricahua National Monument website: https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm. Weather dependent — Follow the event on the TAAA Facebook page to get weather and other updates.

Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival
2019-11-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Empire Ranch, E Empire Ranch Road, Sonoita, AZ, United States
TAAA will have a solar telescope to safely view the surface of the Sun. The Festival goes from 10 am to 4 pm with lots of other activities.

Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area Star Party
2019-11-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-12-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western 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. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Mercury Transit Across the Sun
2019-11-11 07:30 - 11:30 | Brandi Fenton Park, 3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
Mercury Transit Across the Sun. Monday November 11, 2019 (Veterans Day). This is a school holiday and a work holiday for many. Don’t pass up this “once-in-a-lifetime event”. A Mercury Transit (passing in front of) will NOT be visible again in the U.S. until May 7, 2049. Transits occur only 13-14 times per century. A Mercury Transit is too small to see without a properly filtered solar telescope. When you observe a transit, you see a small black circle (the planet Mercury) moving across the Sun. This event is visible throughout the U.S. TAAA will have several solar telescopes to safely view the Transit at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (3482 E River Rd, River & Alvernon) on November 11 from 7:30 – 11 am (Mercury mid-transit when it is crossing the middle of the Sun is at 8:20 am Tucson time). Sunrise November 11 is 6:49 am and the Transit will already be underway. You can follow the Mercury Transit event on our Facebook page (facebook.com/tucsonastronomy) for real-time weather updates. This event requires a clear view of the Sun (no cloud cover). CAUTION: Never look at the Sun without a proper solar filter or you can damage your eyes.

Murphy-Wilmot Library Evening Stargazing
2019-12-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Murphy-Wilmot Library, 530 N Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ, 85711, United States
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Murphy-Wilmot Library for an evening of stargazing.

Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Stargazing
2020-01-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States

Catalina State Park Stargazing
2020-02-01 18:30 - 21:30 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Catalina, AZ, United States
Star Party-Catalina State Park
Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: Trailhead Picnic area at end of road inside the park.
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Catalina State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Catalina State Park. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have 10 telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. 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 Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Tucson Star Party
2020-02-15 14:00 - 21:00 | Pima Community College East, 8181 E Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States
Annual Tucson Star Party co-sponsored with Astronomy Magazine. Solar observing from 2 pm until sunset. Evening observing from sunset to 9 pm. Enjoy some dark sky observing under wonderful Tucson skies. Follow the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook event for weather and other updates.

Agua Caliente Park Stargazing
2020-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Oracle State Park Stargazing
2020-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Star Party-Oracle State Park
Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Oracle State Park may apply. 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 wide variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/). There is generally a talk and other events also taking place. Check the Oracle State Park website for additional information.

VIRTUAL Star Party
2020-04-21 20:00 - 21:30 | AZ
The nebulosity associated with M45 is not the progenitor of the cluster. Instead, it is a nebula through which M45 is passing.NASA Image, Robert Gendler
TAAA will host our first ever VIRTUAL star party coming to you from Tucson, AZ. We will explore about 12 objects for an hour and a half. This will be a Facebook Live event and is accessible from our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/. The event will be accessible from the Videos section and can be replayed after the event as well. The TAAA Facebook page is a public page and does not require any login to view. If you want any real-time updates, weather advisories, or other information leading up to the event, you can follow the Facebook event.

VIRTUAL Star Party
2020-05-12 20:30 - 22:00 | AZ
M3 is a spectacular globular, and one of the largest, with 500,000 members. It is located in Canes Venatici. This cluster is nearly as old as the universe itself. Note the young blue stars, Blue Stragglers, embedded in the cluster.NASA image/ Teuwen
TAAA will host a VIRTUAL star party coming to you from Tucson, AZ. We will explore about 12 objects for an hour and a half. This will be a Facebook Live event and is accessible from our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/. The event will be accessible from the Videos section and can be replayed after the event as well. The TAAA Facebook page is a public page and does not require any login to view. If you want any real-time updates, weather advisories, or other information leading up to the event, you can follow the Facebook event. The star party will go from 8:30 – 10 pm Tucson, AZ (Pacific Daylight). Tucson is GMT – 7.

Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party
2020-06-13 18:00 - 2020-06-20 20:30 | ONLINE
VIRTUAL. VIRTUAL. VIRTUAL.
This year’s Grand Canyon Star Party will be Virtual and streamed from the Grand Canyon National Park Facebook page. Here are links to the Grand Canyon News Release and Facebook Page. Follow the Facebook event for any updates:

Schedule/Information 2020 Virtual GCSP

·
TAAA Members: Please attend as many events as possible and help us out
by assisting in answering chat questions of visitors, encouraging their interest
in the sky, and mentioning the 2021 GCSP!
Grand Canyon National Park
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/newsreleases.htm/
Grand Canyon’s 2020 Star Party will be Hosted Virtually
[A night sky with red lighting in the forefront highlights telescopes looking at the sky. The words “Welcome to the Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party 2020!” are superimposed over the image.]
The 30th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held virtually June 13-20, 2020. While the on- site event at Grand Canyon National Park has been cancelled on both rims due to concerns over
COVID-19 this year, the park hopes to bring the wonders of the night sky into the virtual realm
through a series of video premieres on Grand Canyon’s official Facebook account.
https://www.facebook.com/events/252511419184647/
Go to Facebook to participate in event. Or go to Facebook and set up a personal reminder.
JUN 13 AT 6 PM – JUN 20 AT 8:30 PM
Online Event
Public · Hosted by
Grand Canyon National Park
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party 2020
Welcome to the Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party 2020!
Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Conservancy invite you to the Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party 2020, June 13-20…

https://www.facebook.com/GrandCanyonNationalPark/
Schedule
Saturday, June 13, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dark Skies in Isolation: Why Protecting the Night Sky is More Important Than Ever by Dr. John Barentine
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 1 by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy
Association
Sunday, June 14, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lions, Vultures, and a Scorpion, Oh My! A Summer Jaunt through Arabian Skies by Dr.Danielle Adams
7:00PM – 8:30PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 2 by Focus Astronomy
Monday, June 15, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A Tour Through the Universe by Dean Regas
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 3 by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy
Association
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Infant Galaxies to Alien Atmospheres: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope by Dr. Amber Straughn
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 4 by Focus Astronomy
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Art of Photographing Dark Skies by Shreenivasan Manievannan
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 5 by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy
Association
Thursday, June 18, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
One Giant Leap: Apollo Astronaut Training in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Schindler
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 6 by Focus Astronomy
Friday, June 19, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Astrophotography for Beginners by Bettymaya Foott
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 7 by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Saturday, June 20, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Planetary Defense: Surveying the Sky for Killer Asteroids by Professor Vishnu
Reddy
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party: Session 8 by Focus Astronomy
Definitely Also SEE Additional Information on NPS Web Page
Including info on 2021 GCSP:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm/

Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the National Park Service for the 30th annual Star Party. The Star Party will be June 13 – 20, 2020. You will see Solar System planets, Galaxies Far Far Away, Star Clusters — some with several hundred thousand stars, Nebulae, multiple star systems (some with as many as 6 stars), and lots more. The skies are so dark you can clearly see the band of the Milky Way overhead. We start with a talk in the Visitor Center Auditorium about an astronomy topic at 8 pm. Observing at the telescopes goes from sunset (about 8 pm) to 11 pm. This event is free and open to anyone inside the Grand Canyon (park entrance fee required). For additional information, check out our Grand Canyon Star Party Webpage at: http://tucsonastronomy.org/upcoming-events/grand-canyon-star-party/.

Virtual Star Party
2020-08-15 20:30 - 22:00 | ONLINE
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more. The event will be streamed on our Facebook page as a Facebook Premiere (TAAA Facebook). It will also air on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com). Search Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.

Astronomy Day & International Observe the Moon
2020-09-25 17:00 - 2020-09-27 15:00 | ONLINE
VIRTUAL
Join the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory and Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a weekend of International Observe the Moon. LPL will be hosting virtual events Friday evening, Saturday afternoon & evening, and Sunday morning & afternoon. TAAA will host some Solar Observing as part of this weekend event on Sunday at 10 am. These events will be streamed via Webinar. To register, go to: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/art/2020.

Virtual Solar Observing
2020-09-27 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
We will be doing a Virtual Solar Observing session with the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory. To view the event, register at: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/art/2020.

Virtual Star Party
2020-10-09 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more. The event will be streamed on our Facebook page (TAAA Facebook).

Chiricahua National Monument Night Sky Talk
2020-10-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
Due to Covid-19, we will not have any actual telescope viewing. But, we will have a laser guided talk about the night sky. This will be held at the Echo Canyon Trailhead parking area so everyone can maintain social distancing without congregating around any telescopes. We also ask that you wear a mask. The talk will go from 7 to around 8 pm.

Registration is required because there is limited parking and to maintain physical distancing. Call the visitor center staff at 520-824-3560 x9302 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to register for this special event.

Participants should dress warmly and wear face coverings, bring a portable chair or blanket to sit upon, drinks, snacks, binoculars, and a flashlight with a red filter, if possible.

Chiricahua National Monument website: https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm.

TAAA & LPL Virtual Star Party
2020-10-24 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE
Join TAAA and the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory for a Solar System exploration, shared via Webinar: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/art/2020.

Virtual Star Party Stargazing
2020-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | AZ
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more. The event will be streamed Live from our Facebook Page (TAAA Facebook)

Virtual Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction Stream
2020-12-21 18:00 - 19:15 | ONLINE
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a live telescope stream of the Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction. This is a once (or twice if you are young) in a lifetime event. The planets will get to within .1 degree on December 21st. They are actually separated by distance as Jupiter is 551 million miles from Earth and Saturn is about twice as far at just over 1 billion miles from Earth. They will be close enough to be a challenge to separate with just your eyes. Observing with a pair of binoculars or a telescope is ideal. The last time they were this close together and were observable was in 1226 (794 years ago). The next conjunction that will be this close will be in 2080. The pair starts December about 2 degrees apart. The distance decreases by about .1 degree every day, so observe them every evening and watch them get closer to each other. On the 21st, join us to view them through a refractor telescope.
The Conjunction will be streamed live to our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy

Virtual Star Party Stargazing
2021-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more. The event will be streamed from our Facebook Page (TAAA Facebook Live)

Chiricahua National Monument Stargazing (Tentative)
2021-03-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call the Visitor’s Center to register: 520-824-3560, ext 9302.
Star Party at Chiricahua National Monument. We will have a Laser Walk Around the Night Sky starting 7:30. At 8:15 we will have a telescope set up to view objects through a monitor. Event will be held at Far Away Ranch, 1 mile inside the entrance gate. Please try to use red light flashlights and minimize white light (to include cell phones) that will hinder your night vision. Chiricahua National Monument website: https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm. Weather dependent — Follow the event on the TAAA Facebook page to get weather and other updates: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/.

Agua Caliente Park Stargazing (TENTATIVE)
2021-03-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
TENTATIVE – Pending COVID-19 Status
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS. If your plans change after registration, please cancel your registration so others may enjoy the event.
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
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 using monitors for astronomical viewing to practice Social Distancing for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes. Only registered participants will be allowed entry. Please arrive as close as possible to the start time. For real-time updates, check in here or follow the event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Registration will required. Register after February 20, 2021 at: https://stargazing_acp.eventbrite.com

Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Stargazing (CANCELLED)
2021-04-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States
CANCELLED – Pending COVID-19 Status
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
WE CANCELLED EVENT DUE TO COVID-19 AND INSUFFICIENT SPACE TO SOCIALLY DISTANCE.
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western 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. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Oracle State Park Stargazing (VIRTUAL)
2021-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE
VIRTUAL
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK
Star Party-Oracle State Park
Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: ONLINE
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park. Star Party open to the Public. This event will be streamed online to the Oracle State Park Facebook Page and/or YouTube Channel. Additional details to follow.
Anticipate an introduction with music, a talk by the International Dark Sky Association, and a Star Party by Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.

Astronomy Festival (VIRTUAL)
2021-04-17 15:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE
April 17, 2021 @ 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm (VIRTUAL)

Astronomy Festival will be held online this year and will stream to the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Page TAAA Facebook Live and YouTube Channel TAAA YouTube Channel. We will have solar observing in the afternoon and a nighttime observing session in the evening. In between will be A Walk Around the Night Sky with Native and Star Lore, astronomy videos and activities for the entire family.
SCHEDULE
3.00-3.05 pm: Introduction
3.05-3.22 pm: Solar Observing Part 1
(Observe Sunspots, Prominences, and other activity on the Sun)
3.22-3.35 pm: Magnetic Sun (Learn about activity on the Sun like
Prominences, Flares, Filaments, Sunspots, and more)
3.35-4.16 pm: Sorting the Universe
(Learn how astronomers makes sense out of the Universe)
4.16-4.32 pm: Our Place in Our Galaxy
(Where we fit in our Galaxy)
4.32-4.50 pm: Solar Observing Part 2
(Observe Sunspots, Prominences, and other activity on the Sun)
4.50-5.07 pm: Why Do Eclipses Happen (How and why Eclipses happen and
when the next ones will occur)
5.07-5.19 pm: Pocket Solar System
(Make your very own Pocket Solar System)
5.19-5.31pm: Videos
What is a Nebula
Flight Through the Orion Nebula
Losing the Dark
5.31-5.52 pm: TAAA Overview (Learn the benefits of becoming a member of
the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, our Dark Sky Observing
Sites, Special Interest Groups, Telescope & Book Library and lots more)
5.52-6.21 pm: Walk Around the Night Sky
(Native American and Ancient Star Lore of the Night Sky)
6.21-7.22 pm: Nighttime Star Party
(Observe galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, and lots more)
7.22-7.26 pm: Conclusion
Visit our Public Events Webpage for Additional information: Public Events
Join us at anytime or for the entire time!

Agua Caliente Park Stargazing (Tentative)
2021-05-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
TENTATIVE – Pending COVID-19 Status
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/). TO REGISTER (Free, limited availability): See Event Website.
