AGua Caliente Park Star Party
2018-12-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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/).

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.

Catalina State Park Star Party
2019-01-12 18:30 - 21:30, 2019-03-30 19:00 - 22:00 | 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 Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area Star Party
2019-01-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-02-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-03-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-04-27 19:30 - 21:30 | 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/).

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”.

General Meeting – March 2019
2019-03-01 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: Annual Report
Speaker: Mae Smith, Ph.D.

TAAA President Mae Smith will give the club’s annual report for 2018.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association: Sixty-Five Years of Celebrating The Skies
Speaker: Tim Hunter has been an amateur astronomer since 1950, and owns two observatories, the 3towers Observatory and the Grasslands Observatory. He is a past president of Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, Inc. and a member of TAAA since 1975. He is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Planetary Science Institute (PSI). In 1987, he and Dr. David Crawford founded the International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. (IDA), a nonprofit devoted to promoting quality outdoor lighting and combatting the effects of light pollution.
For this month’s main presentation, Tim Hunter celebrates TAAA’s 65th anniversary year. The TAAA was founded in 1954 as the Tucson Amateur Astronomers (TAA) by a small group of amateurs with the strong support of Dr. Edwin F Carpenter, Director of Steward Observatory.
Learn how TAA evolved into the current TAAA, one of the largest and most active amateur clubs in the United States. Ever since its founding, the TAAA has had a close relationship with Steward Observatory and the University of Arizona. In his talk, Tim will highlight some important landmarks of the TAAA as well as the changes in amateur astronomy from 1954. A special feature of the evening will be short presentations by several former TAAA Presidents.

Tucson Festival of Books
2019-03-02 08:30 - 17:00, 2019-03-03 08:30 - 17:00 | UA Mall, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes to safely view the Sun as well as interactive exhibits for families. Activities will be in the Science City Tent. Interactive activities will focus on the Moon and the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 Landing.
Activities from 8:30 am to 5 pm each day.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2019-03-09 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. 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 Star Party
2019-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Star Party-Oracle State Park.
ORACLE
Viewing Location: Sidewalk along the Kannally Ranch House parking lot and on the Ranch House upper patio.
Information: Great dark skies in Oracle, north of Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. 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. Dress for cool nights. Recommend bringing small RED flashlights (regular flashlights restrict night vision and ability to view dim deep sky objects). Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Other events may also be scheduled. Check Oracle State Park Website for more detail.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – March 2019
2019-03-14 18:30 - 20:30 | UA Education North Building, rm 110, 1501 E Speedway Blvd , Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE UA EDUCATION NORTH BUILDING (ADDRESS AND MAP BELOW).

DETAILED LOCATION, PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY INFO AVAILABLE ON THE AFSIG MAIN EVENT PAGE (FOUND ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE TAAA WEBSITE).
Constellation of the Month:
Carina

Presenter: Doug Smith

Doug Smith will be presenting Carina as the constellation of the month.
Main Presentation:
Black Holes
Presenter: Connor Justice

Connor Justice will be discussing Black Holes.

Chiricahua National Monument Astronomy Event
2019-03-23 06:30 - 21:00 | 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 either Echo Canyon or Faraway Ranch and will be updated as we get closer. A talk is scheduled before observing Bonita Campground Amphitheater at 6:30 pm with observing from 7:30 – 9:30 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.

General Meeting – April 2019
2019-04-05 18:30 - 21:00 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Seasonal Night Sky Objects
Speaker: Mary Turner

Mary Turner, TAAA’s appointed Chief Observer, takes us on a tour of the spring night sky. As usual in her popular talks, Mary’s uses astronomical data, images, and mythology to bring seasonal changes in the sky to life.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: An Introduction to Slit-less Grating Spectroscopy
Speaker: Rhode Island native and retired Astronomy and Physics Professor David Iadevaia, has taught middle school/high school physical science/physics up through university astronomy. In 1983, he became Instrument Specialist for the Echelle spectrograph at the MMT on Mt. Hopkins. The next year, he began a 30-year teaching career at Pima Community College. His accomplishments there include designing the Professor Pima Portable Planetarium Program, and establishing Pima’s East Campus Observatory, the first teaching observatory in Arizona. In 1986, he received the Tucson Trade Bureau Outstanding Faculty Award. David has been a lifelong amateur astronomer and as a retiree he’s returning to his astronomy roots.

David will present an introduction to low resolution, slit-less grating spectroscopy. He’ll begin with a brief overview of the nature of light with such concepts as Wien’s Law and the Doppler Effect as they apply to spectroscopy. Spectra taken with a slit-less grating spectroscope will be shown, along with an explanation of how to interpret the data in spectra. David will talk about the equipment needed to capture spectra, and the software available to reduce a spectrum’s data for research. A brief overview of the growing international community of spectroscopists will be included.

Tucson Hebrew Academy
2019-04-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Tucson Hebrew Academy, 3888 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
Solar Observing & NSN Toolkit for the annual Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) event.
THA STEM Event is open to the public.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have a couple telescopes to safely view the Sun throughout the event. We may also have an astronomy interactive activity as part of the STEM event.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – April 2019
2019-04-11 18:30 - 20:30 | UA Education North Building, rm 110, 1501 E Speedway Blvd , Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Constellation of the Month:
Centaurus

Presenter: Kay Lehman

Kay Lehman will start the night with a talk about the southern constellation Centaurus.
Main Presentation:
Astronomy and The Onion
Presenter: Doug Smith

For our main topic, Doug Smith will be discussing Astronomy and The Onion.

Astronomy Festival
2019-04-13 15:00 - 21:00 | Brandi Fenton Park, 3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
April 13, 2019 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Astronomy Festival at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
Telescopes, Exhibits, Fun!

Saturday, April 13 from 3 to 9 pm
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Ramada
ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Hands-On Exhibits for Kids 3 to 6 PM
Safe Solar viewing of the Sun 3 to 6:30 PM
Night Sky Viewing 7:30 P.M to 9 PM
A Walk around the Night Sky Presentation at 8 PM
Kid-Friendly Scope viewing throughout the evening
Door Prizes will be given away at 7 PM – winners must be present
No charge for any activities, donations will be accepted.
Bring your own telescope for help setting it up and operating the scope.

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Marana Under the Stars
2019-04-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N Lon Adams Rd, Marana, AZ, 85653, United States
Astronomy event supporting Marana Under the Stars. For more information, see the website: http://www.maranaaz.gov/town-calendar/2016/4/23/camping-under-the-stars.

General Meeting – May 2019
2019-05-03 18:30 - 21:00 | Lunar & Planetary Laboratory, 1629 E University Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Open to the Public: TAAA encourages the public to join our general meetings held on the first Friday of each month.
Meeting Location: room 308 at Lunar and Planetary Labs Kuiper Space Sciences Bldg (1629 E. University Blvd.) on the University of Arizona campus. See Map
NOTE THE DIFFERENT LOCATION DETAILS AND MAP ABOVE.
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: ELECTIONS and Cassiopeia Observatory
Speaker: Michael Weasner

This will be a membership meeting starting with an observatory presentation at 6:30 P.M. by Michael Weasner about the Cassiopeia Observatory* that he built and runs. Following it will be an internal business and elections meeting.
*There is an Open House at Cassiopeia Observatory for TAAA-members-only on Saturday, May 4th, at 10 A.M. Details at meeting.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: Highlights of the OSIRIS REx Mission
Speaker: Dolores Hill, Senior Research Specialist at Lunar & Planetary Laboratory

Dolores Hill, Senior Research Specialist at Lunar & Planetary Laboratory will present highlights of the OSIRIS REx spacecraft’s arrival at near-Earth asteroid Bennu, including some exciting discoveries.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party
2019-05-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ (Northeast)
Observing: 7:30 – 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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
