Elfrida, AZ Library Astronomy Event
2018-09-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Phoenix) | Elfrida Library, 10552 N Hwy 191, Elfrida, AZ, 85610, United States
Stargazing event supporting Elfrida, AZ Library in SE Arizona. Come join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for an evening of observing some astronomy wonders in the night sky. We will view some planets, star clusters, multiple star systems, nebulae, and lots more.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – September 2018
2018-09-13 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Come join us for a presentation from the fundamentals of amateur astronomy.
Kay Lehman will talk about the northern constellation Cetus.
Followed by Doug Smith who will be giving a break down on The Mechanics of Clock Drives for our main presentation.
Email: fundamentals[at]tucsonastronomy.org

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2018-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 7 – 9 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. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

General Meeting – October 2018
2018-10-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Financial Report
Speaker: Mike McDowell, TAAA Treasurer

TAAA Treasurer Mike McDowell will present the annual TAAA financial report, and an update on Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (CAC).
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Dark Clouds and Prestellar Cores – The Beginning Stage of Star and Planet Formation
Speaker: UA Associate Professor Dr. Yancy Shirley is a Hoosier who received his B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. at the University of Texas (Austin). He worked at the Very Large Array (radio telescopes) in New Mexico before returning to Arizona and joining the UA faculty in 2008. Dr. Shirley’s main studies are in the earliest phases of star formation, astrochemistry, and astrobiology using observations from infrared and radio telescopes.

In the early 1900s, American astronomer Edward Emerson (E.E.) Barnard photographed dark nebula and realized that these regions were not “vacancies” in the sky, but instead clouds of obscuring material. They contain the raw material—solid particles we call dust and a very rich molecular chemistry—from which stars and planets form today. In his talk, Dr. Shirley will describe how stars and planets form and show how we can observe these earliest phases across the Galaxy.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – October 2018
2018-10-11 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Stephen Ferris will talk about the northern constellation Perseus. Followed by Ralph Means who will be doing a show and tell on
the equipment he uses for observing.

Elfrida, AZ Library Solar Observing
2018-10-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Elfrida Library, 10552 N Hwy 191, Elfrida, AZ, 85610, United States
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at the Library in Elfrida, AZ for some daytime safe solar observing of the Sun. We will look for Sunspots and Prominences coming off the edge of the Sun. Weather Dependent.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2018-10-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 6:30 – 8:30 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. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Catalina State Park Star Party
2018-10-13 18:30 - 21:30, 2019-01-12 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/).

International Observe the Moon
2018-10-20 17:00 - 22:00 | UA Mall, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
A star party supporting International Observe the Moon. TAAA along with other astronomy organizations will be on the University of Arizona Mall near Flandrau Planetarium. Telescopes will be set up from 5 – 10 PM to view the Moon and other Solar System and Deep-Sky objects. We will also have a telescope dedicated to “Sky Souvenirs” for you to use your smart phone and our adapter to take a picture of the Moon. Flandrau Planetarium will be open for the event.

Chiricahua National Monument Stargazing Event
2018-10-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
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 either Faraway Ranch (just inside the entrance gate) or Echo Canyon Overlook (about 5 miles past the visitor center). Please try to use red light flashlights and minimize white light (to include cell phones) that will hinder your night vision.
A talk on astronomy will be at the campground Amphitheater just past the visitor center starting at 6 PM.
The Star Party will go from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at either Faraway Ranch or Echo Canyon overlook.
Follow the event on Facebook for real-time updates.

General Meeting – November 2018
2018-11-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – NO Introductory Presentation
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Hayabusa2: Exploring Asteroid Ryugu and Implications for the Future
Speaker: Adriana Mitchell is an undergraduate senior majoring in Optical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Arizona. She works with Professor Vishnu Reddy at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and Dr. Lucille Le Corre at the Planetary Science Institute, on the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Hayabusa2 mission.

Visiting Near Earth Asteroids helps scientists understand conditions during the formation of the solar system and might help uncover where Earth’s water and organic materials originated. Adriana will discuss the large strides being made in asteroid exploration with the current asteroid sample-return missions; NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex mission to Bennu and JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission to the asteroid Ryugu. She will explain the implications for these cutting edge missions and her involvement in the creation of imaging products critical for characterizing potential landing sites on Ryugu for JAXA.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – November 2018
2018-11-08 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Constellation of the Month:
Piscis Austrinus
Presenter: Kay Lehman

Kay Lehman will talk about the northern constellation Piscis Austrinus.
Main Presentation:
Choosing and Using Telescope Eyepieces

Presenter: Joe Jacoby

Joe Jacoby will be discussing Choosing and Using Telescope Eyepieces.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2018-11-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-12-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 6 – 8 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. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area Star Party
2018-11-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-12-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-01-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-02-02 18:30 - 20:30 | 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/).

General Meeting – December 2018
2018-12-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Lunar & Planetary Laboratory, 1629 E University Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
NOTE DIFFERENT LOCATION FOR THIS MONTHS MEETING.
THIS MONTH ONLY we will meet in the Kuiper Building of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, 1629 East University Boulevard on the U of A Campus, just east of Flandreau Science Center. Room 308/Third Floor Auditorium (there is a ramp and elevator).
See Map
ALSO THIS MONTH, no one is signed up to bring refreshments so anyone who has time, PLEASE bring finger foods to share and put them on the table outside the auditorium.
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Member’s Night
Speaker: Various TAAA Members

If you would like to give a presentation, contact Mae Smith, ssmith@email.arizona.edu.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: The Parker Solar Probe: NASA’s Mission to Touch the Sun
Speaker: Dr. Joe Giacalone has been a Professor at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory since 1993. He is Co-Investigator on the ISOIS (Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun) instrument on the Parker Solar Probe. This instrument will measure high-energy charged particles accelerated by magnetic fields near the Sun. Dr. Giacalone holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Kansas.
The Parker Solar Probe is truly a mission of discovery. Launched in August of 2018, this historic, seven-year mission has already flown by Venus, and made its first close pass of the Sun — closer to the Sun than any man-made object ever. It will get even closer in the years ahead; as near as 3.8 million miles from the Sun’s surface. Dr. Giacalone will discuss the mission, its goals, and what we expect to discover about the Sun.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – December 2018
2018-12-13 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Constellation of the Month:
Tucana

Presenter: Stephen Ferris

Stephen Ferris will start the night with a talk about the southern constellation Tucana.
Main Presentation:
Star Atlases

Presenter: Doug Smith
For our main topic, Doug Smith will be discussing Star Atlases.

General Meeting – January 2019
2019-01-04 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Seasonal Night Sky Objects
Speaker: Mary Turner, PhD

Mary Turner, TAAA’s Chief Observer, takes us on a tour of the winter and early spring night sky. Mary’s use of astronomical data, images, and mythology brings the seasonal changes in the sky to life.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Forged in Fire: The Volcanic History of Mars
Speaker: Dr. David Horvath from UA’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, is a planetary geophysicist investigating the interaction of processes acting on the surface and interior of terrestrial planets. His research focuses include Martian volcanism, the ancient hydrologic cycle of Mars, and the current methane-based hydrologic cycle of Titan. Dr. Horvath holds a PhD in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines.

Volcanism is widespread in the Martian geologic record, manifested as large shield volcanoes, extensive plains of flood basalts, and potentially global coverage of explosive volcanic ash. While most Martian volcanic activity occurred between ~3 and 4 billion years ago and has generally decreased over time, isolated, young (<500 million years old) volcanism is observed. Dr. Horvath will discuss the geologic record of volcanism on Mars, focusing on some of the youngest volcanic surfaces and their implications for observations by the recent InSight Mars lander.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2019-01-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 6 – 8 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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – January 2019
2019-01-10 18:30 - 20:30 | UA Education North Building, rm 110, 1501 E Speedway Blvd , Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the AFSIG meeting for January has moved from the USGS building on campus, to ROOM 110 in the Education North Building at 1501 E Speedway Blvd (Google Maps). Parking in the area is free after 5PM, and parking lots are available to the east and west side of the building. A parking garage is located one block north Vine Ave and Helen Street (garage may have fees). I plan on arriving early to make sure signs are available to mark the room.
*** SEE BOTTOM OF AFSIG MAIN PAGE FOR DETAILED LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION. ***
Constellation of the Month:
Scutum

Presenter: Gus Gomez

Gus Gomez will start the night with a talk about the constellation Scutum.
Main Presentation:
The Milky Way

Presenter: Stephen Ferris

For our main topic, Stephen Ferris will be discussing The Milky Way.

Total Lunar Eclipse
2019-01-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Flandrau Science Center, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
A Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Tucson and surrounding areas this evening. The partial Eclipse begins 8:33 PM (Tucson Time), Total Eclipse begins 9:41 PM and ends 10:43 PM with maximum eclipse at 10:12 PM (Tucson Time).
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes set up on the University of Arizona Mall just south of Flandrau Science Center. Viewing will be available from 8 to 11 PM. For real-time updates, follow our Facebook Event.

General Meeting – February 2019
2019-02-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Astronomical League’s NEW Observing Programs
Speaker: Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith, Program Coordinator from the Astronomical League, will present a summary of the AL’s NEW observing programs added since February 2018. He will give us a heads up on the next Astronomical League observing program workshop. And he will discuss the upcoming Messier Marathon in March. Signup sheets will be available at the Feb meeting.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Astronomy & Satellite Tracking at Steward Observatory
Speaker: Dr. Eric C. Pearce has been with Steward Observatory since 2016. His primary area of research is developing advanced systems and techniques to discover, track, and categorize artificial Earth-orbiting satellites. Dr. Pearce was previously Telescope Group leader at the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) project office in Pasadena, California. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

Dr. Pearce’s presentation focuses on the global network of telescopes and radar systems used to track nearly 5000 satellites and 14000 other man-made objects currently orbiting Earth. The nation’s ability to detect, track, identify, and maintain custody of these objects is essential to safely use space for both civil and military purposes. This mission is the primary responsibility of the U.S. Air Force Space Command. Dr. Pearce will explore the history of our role in developing this mission, our current stage of development, and future challenges. He will include information about its revitalization of astrographs (telescopes designed for the sole purpose of astrophotography).

Tucson Star Party (with Astronomy Magazine)
2019-02-09 10:00 - 21:00 | Pima Community College East, 8181 E Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association & Astronomy Magazine for our annual Tucson Star Party @ PCC East Campus. We will be observing from 10 AM – 9 PM. Solar viewing during the day along with other interactive exhibits. During the evening, we will have several telescopes set up to observe solar system & deep-sky wonders such as planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and lots more. Bring your own telescope if you want and we will have extra volunteers to help you if required.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2019-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 6:30 – 8:30 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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Murphy-Wilmot Library Star Party
2019-02-12 17:45 - 19:45 | Murphy-Wilmot Library, 530 N Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ, 85711, United States
Murphy-Wilmot Library will host a star party, supported by TAAA. We will have several telescopes set up to observe some great solar system and deep-sky objects.
Event will be Wednesday February 12, 2019 from 5:45 – 7:45 PM.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – February 2019
2019-02-14 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Constellation of the Month:
Caelum

Presenter: Dennis Means

Dennis Means will start the night with a talk about the southern constellation Caelum.
Main Presentation:
Discussion of some Messier Objects

Presenter: Ralph Means

For our main topic, Ralph Means will be presenting “Discussion of some Messier Objects”.
