Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Star Party at St. Francis in the Foothills Church
2024-09-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix) | St. Francis in the Foothills Church, 4625 E. River Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85718
Join TAAA for a Star Party at St. Francis Church in the Foothills Church, Tucson AZ

Located near River Rd. and Swan Rd at 4625 E. River Road, this venue is well located for many in the central Tucson and Foothills communities.

Join us as we observe Planets (Saturn is now visible after many months being in the morning skies), Nebulas, Galaxies, and more!

Viewing will be from 7pm to 9pm at the far north end of the parking lot. (Stay to the left all the way to the end).

Stargazing at Saguaro NP – East
2024-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Star Party – Saguaro National Park – East
3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
Great dark skies on the East side of Tucson at Saguaro National Park – East.
Star Party is open to the Public. Event is free but NPS admission fees apply.
The 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: TAAA Facebook Events page

HYBRID – General Meeting – October 2024
2024-10-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: Dark Sky Southern Arizona 2.0: The Hits (and Misses) Of Our First Year and How Our Region Can Reclaim Its Leading Role

Light pollution is a longstanding concern in the Tucson area, which in many respects is the home of the global dark-skies movement. After going dormant during the pandemic, the Southern Arizona Chapter of DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) was rebooted in mid-2023. In this talk, John Barentine will describe the motivations that led the group to restart the chapter along with the progress they have made toward achieving the strategic goals of their first three-year period. He will also give an update on regional light-pollution trends and opportunities that can strengthen this region’s leadership on outdoor lighting issues.

Bio: John Barentine is the Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting, LLC, and was formerly the Director of Public Policy for the International Dark-Sky Association. He earned a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin, and previously held staff positions at the National Solar Observatory, Apache Point Observatory, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Throughout his career, he has been involved in educating the public about science. He is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The asteroid (14505) Barentine is named in his honor. His interests outside of astronomy and light pollution research include history, art and architecture, politics, law and current events.can be found at https://www.astrobin.com/users/astronewbie/

Presenter: John Barentine

Stargazing at Chiricahua National Monument
2024-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
Join TAAA for an evening of stargazing to view amazing solar system and deep sky objects from a truly Dark Sky Park. You will see planets, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, galaxies millions of light years away, and lots more. We will have several telescopes for public viewing.
Observing location will be at the Faraway Ranch parking lot just past the entrance gate about 1/2 mile. 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/.
Check back here or on our Facebook page closer to the event for any updates.

Stargazing @ Picacho Peak State Park
2024-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ, 85141
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 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

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – October 2024
2024-10-10 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Milky Way
Presenter: Doug Smith
This month, Doug Smith will be presenting on the Milky Way for our main topic.
Astronomer of the Month: Edmond Halley
Presenter: Pete Hermes
Pete Hermes will highlighting Edmond Halley for our astronomer of the month.

Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
2024-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) and Saguaro National Park – East 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 nearing its peak in the sunspot cycle so there is lots of activity on its surface.
This event is FREE and open to the public. NPS admission fees apply.
The telescopes will be set up at the Bicycle Ramada next to the Visitors Center.
This event will most likely be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.

Stargazing at the Tubac AZ Presidio State Historical Park
2024-10-25 06:15 - 20:00 | Tubac Presidio, 1 Burruel St, Tubac, Arizona, 85646
Join us at the Tubac Presidio State Historical Park in Tubac AZ for an evening of stargazing under truly dark skies at a historic location.
TAAA will have volunteer astronomers with Telescopes setup and viewing Planets,
Nebulas, Galaxies, Star Clusters and more, under the dark skies of Southern Arizona!
This is “Anza Under the Stars” night at the Presidio. For more information check out October 25th at:
Events | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum
Star Party is free but there is an admission fee for non-members of the Presidio.
Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/events

Stargazing at Catalina State Park
2024-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Catalina, AZ, United States
Star Party at Catalina State Park – Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: Trailhead Picnic area at end of road inside the park.
Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Catalina State Park.
Star Party open to the Public. Admission fee for entrance into Catalina State Park.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have approximately 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/).
Additional details will be posted here and on Facebook as we get closer to the event.

HYBRID – General Meeting – November 2024
2024-11-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: Exploring the Moon with Seismology: From Apollo to Artemis

Over 50 years ago, Apollo astronauts installed the first extraterrestrial seismometers on the lunar surface. These instruments recorded thousands of moonquakes (earthquakes on the Moon). Now, we’re heading back to Moon with modern seismometers as part of the Artemis missions. Lunar and Planetary Lab’s Angela Marusiak will discuss what we learned from Apollo, what we can learn from Artemis, the implications for future exploration, and how the University of Arizona is involved.

Bio: Angela Marusiak is an Assistant Research Professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. She received her Bachelors in Geophysics & Planetary Science from Boston University, and her PhD in Geology from the University of Maryland. She spent two years at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a postdoc before joining the faculty at UA. Her research focuses on the science of planetary seismology and development of relevant instruments. Her mission involvement includes InSight (Mars), Dragonfly (Titan), and Artemis III (the Moon). events.can be found at https://www.astrobin.com/users/astronewbie/

Credit: NASA

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
2024-11-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-12-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area, 2000 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ, 85743, United States
Star Party @ Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic AreaTucson, AZ (right next to Sonoran Desert Museum)

Viewing Location: Small side loop on East side of main loop.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: TAAA Facebook Events page

Event is FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to this link to register: https://bit.ly/ticketsEEThese events may fill up early.

Stargazing at Agua Caliente Park
2024-11-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Viewing Location: Bus Lanes @ North end of Parking LotInformation: 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/).

FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. go to: https://bit.ly/ticketsEEThese events fill up fast so recommend registering early.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – November 2024
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Volcanism in the Solar System
Presenter: Doug Smith
Doug Smith will be providing the main topic on Volcanism in the Solar System .
Astronomer of the Month: Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Presenter: Pete Hermes
Pete Hermes will be highlighting Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin as our Astronomer of the month.

Stargazing at Saguaro NP – East
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Star Party – Saguaro National Park – East3693 S Old Spanish TrailTucson, AZ 85730

Great dark skies on the East side of Tucson at Saguaro National Park – East.Star Party is open to the Public. Event is free but NPS admission fees apply.

The 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: Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Facebook

Stargazing @ Canoa Ranch
2024-11-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ, 85622, United States
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) and Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation for some stargazing at Historic Canoa Ranch.

We will observe planets, star clusters, multiple star systems, nebulae, galaxies, and lots more.

Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page: Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Facebook

FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Go to: https://bit.ly/ticketsEEThese events fill up quickly.

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2024-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House

Star Party telescope viewing (6:00 – 8:00pm)

Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park.3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623Star 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)

HYBRID – General Meeting – December 2024
2024-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: The Reopening at Kitt Peak National Observatory: One Year In

Vanessa Gressieux presents an exploration of the current public outreach offerings at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Learn about the Observatory’s history, its long shut down after Covid-19 and the Kitt Peak Fire, and its new schedule of day and nighttime astronomy tours, and other events. Vanessa will touch on some of the scientific projects being conducted at Kitt Peak, which visitors can learn more about on tours to the telescopes involved. Learn why Kitt Peak is considered one of America’s premier tourist attractions, as well as an important astronomical research facility.

Bio: Vannessa Gressieux is a University of Arizona alumni with over 12 years of astronomy outreach and education experience. She is also a proud member of the TAAA and volunteers annually at the Grand Canyon Star Party. In addition to her role as the Guide and Docent Coordinator at Kitt Peak National Observatory, she has served as Solar System Ambassador with NASA and JPL.

Kitt Peak Aerial ViewCredit: NOIRLab/KPNO/NSF/AURA/P.Marenfeld

Stargazing @ Picacho Peak State Park
2024-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ, 85141
Truely dark skies at a scenic location – Picacho Peak State ParkStar Party is open to the Public. Event is free but park admission fees apply.

The 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 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

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – December 2024
2024-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Galaxy Classifications
Presenter: Connor Justice
Connor Justice will be presenting on the first of two parts for Galaxy Classifications.
Astronomer of the Month: Harlow Shapley
Presenter: Doug Smith
Doug Smith will be highlighting Harlow Shapley for our ongoing Astronomer of the Month series

Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
2024-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) and Saguaro National Park – East 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 nearing its peak in the sunspot cycle so there is lots of activity on its surface.

This event is FREE and open to the public. NPS admission fees apply.

The telescopes will be set up at the Bicycle Ramada next to the Visitors Center.This event will most likely be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.

Holiday Astronomy Event at Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (December 23, 2024)
2024-12-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, 9315 E Perseus Way, Pearce, AZ, 85625, United States

HYBRID – General Meeting – January 2025
2025-01-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: The Vatican Observatory in Arizona

This talk’s title may seem an odd juxtaposition of words, until Father Christopher Corbally runs through the 440-year history of the Vatican Observatory. Learn about the Papacy’s long-standing interest and support for astronomical research, including Pope Leo XIII ‘s 1891 formal refounding of an earlier papal observatory into The Vatican Observatory in Vatican City. In 1935, with urban growth brightening Rome’s sky too much, the Observatory was officially moved to the Papal Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo, southeast of Rome. But Rome’s population kept growing, making the skies above the Observatory still too bright. In 1981, the Observatory founded the Vatican Observatory Research Group (VORG) in Tucson. Father Corbally will discuss how VORG has grown, including its construction in collaboration with Steward Observatory of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) on Mt. Graham, AZ. The VATT, now 31 years old, recently became robotic. Father Corbally will explore the new era of observations this update can bring.

Bio: Father Christopher Corbally is a Jesuit priest and research astronomer. Born near London, England, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1963, and holds degrees in philosophy (Licentiate 1968, Heythrop College, a Pontifical Academy in England), physics (B.Sc. 1971, U of Bristol, England), astronomy (M.Sc. 1972, U of Sussex), and theology (B.A. 1976, Heythrop College, London Univ., with a Pastoral Diploma in 1977). In 1983, he obtained a PhD in astronomy at the University of Toronto (Canada). Since then, Father Corbally has been based at the Vatican Observatory Research Group, UA, where he was its Vice Director until 2012. His primary interest is probing the personalities of stars via their spectra, and with an anthropologist-biologist colleague, investigating the challenges to humans of traveling and living in space.

Caption: Father Corbally at Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT)Credit: Vatican Observatory

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2025-01-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House

Talk on Cellphone Astrophotography (5 – 6pm) inside ranch house.

Star Party telescope viewing (6:30 – 8:30pm)

Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park.3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623Star 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)

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – January 2025
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:00 | AZ
Main Presentation: Smart Scopes

Presenter: Stephen Ferris

This month, Stephen Ferris will be presenting on Smart Scopes.

Astronomer of the Month: Walter Baade

Presenter: Connor Justice

Connor Justice will be presenting on German astronomer Walter Baade.

Stargazing at Saguaro NP – West
2025-01-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Saguaro National Park WEST, 2700 N Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ, United States
TAAA invites you to an evening of star gazing at Saguaro National Park – WestLocated on the far West side of town on the other side of the Tucson mountains, this location has very dark skies from horizon to horizon. The park has been designated an Urban Night Sky Park in 2023.

The TAAA will have several Telescopes set up to view Stars, Nebula’s, Galaxies, Planets and more starting at 6:30pm! Telescopes will be arranged around the entrance walkway.

Introductory talks will be given starting at 5pm by the National Park Service (NPS), DarkSky International, and NOIRLab (Kitt Peak), prior to telescope viewing. Park staff will guide visitors on short walks through the Javelina Wash to discuss the night sky, and they are also hoping to include Indigenous storytelling

The stargazing event is free and open to the public, but NPS admission fees apply.WEATHER DEPENDENT. Follow the event on our Facebook page for any weather updates or changes:

(4) Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Facebook

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Stargazing at Agua Caliente Park
2025-01-17 18:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Viewing Location: Bus Lanes @ North end of Parking LotInformation: 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. go to: https://bit.ly/ticketsEEThese events fill up fast so recommend registering early.

Stargazing at Catalina State Park
2025-01-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Catalina, AZ, United States
Star Party at Catalina State Park – Tucson, AZViewing Location: Trailhead Picnic area at end of road inside the park.Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Catalina State Park.Star Party open to the Public. Admission fee for entrance into Catalina State Park.

Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have approximately 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 ((4) Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Facebook).

Additional details will be posted here and on Facebook as we get closer to the event.

HYBRID – General Meeting – February 2025
2025-02-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
TBD
