Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Stargazing at Catalina State Park
2025-10-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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.

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
2025-10-11 19:00 - 21:00 | 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://www.explore.pima.gov/pima/programs and click on the “Outdoors” square to select.These events may fill up early.

Stargazing @ Roper Lake State Park
2025-10-17 06:30 - 20:30 | Roper Lake State Park, 101 E Roper Lake Rd, Safford, Arizona, 85546, United States
Join TAAA and the National Park Service for an evening of stargazing at Roper Lake State Park . Address below.The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) will have amateur telescopes with operators for astronomical viewing on the island in Roper Lake.

We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through high quality telescopes.

Event is free, no reservations required, but park admission fees may 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.

Stargazing @ Picacho Peak State Park
2025-10-18 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-20 18:30 - 20:30 | 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 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

Star Party at St. Francis in the Foothills Church
2025-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 | 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 (Many of the planets are now available in the earlly evening sky), Nebulas, Galaxies, and more! Viewing will be at the far north end of the parking lot. (Stay to the left all the way to the end).

Stargazing at Tubac Presidio State Historical Park
2025-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 | 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!

For more information check out: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 @ Canoa Ranch
2025-10-31 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 Conservation Lands and Resources (CLR) 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 this link to register: https://www.explore.pima.gov/pima/programs and click on the “Outdoors” square to select.These events fill up quickly.

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2025-11-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House

Typically a music event prior, check the park’s website below.

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)

HYBRID – General Meeting – November 2025
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: Exploring New Worlds in Space: From Clay Tablets to the Pandora Space Telescope and Beyond

Modern science is opening a fascinating window on worlds around other stars. Ground- and space-based telescopes are now discovering new planets at an accelerating pace. Careful, high-precision observations now provide important clues on the atmospheric compositions of many extrasolar planets. Apai and colleagues completed the assembly, integration, and testing of NASA’s latest exoplanet telescope, Pandora, which is now scheduled for launch in January 2026. In this talk, Dr. Apai will review the search for new worlds in the solar neighborhood, and report on the goals and progress on Pandora. He will also explore the potential of the Nautilus Deep Space Observatory, with its constellation of large-diameter, lightweight space telescopes that offers a bold vision for the future of exoplanet exploration.

Biography:

Dániel Apai is Professor of Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Optical Sciences at The University of Arizona. His primary research interests lie in the fields of exoplanets, astrobiology, and innovative optical systems and architectures for space observatories. Dr. Apai earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Heidelberg University. He worked in the Space Telescope Science Institute’s Science Policy Group on the Hubble Space Telescope mission before joining the University of Arizona faculty in 2011. At UA, Dr. Apai leads the NASA-funded Alien Earths astrobiology project that focuses on understanding the formation and habitability of nearby planetary systems. He leads a team that characterizes exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, with particular emphasis on understanding the connections between the properties and evolution of clouds and atmospheric circulation. Dr. Apai is leading the Nautilus Deep Space Observatory (NDSO) concept, and he is co-leading the technology development program that enables NDSO’s innovative design.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – November 2025
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:00 | AZ
Title: Constellation of the Month Pisces

Presenter: Pete Hermes

Pete Hermes will give us a look at the Autumn constellation Pisces as our constellation of the month.

Title: History of Astro-photography

Presenter: Doug Smith

And due to an attendee request from October, this months main topic is on the History of Astro-photography by Doug Smith .

Cancelled/Rescheduled - Stargazing at Saguaro National Park – East
2025-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
This Star Party has been cancelled and rescheduled for Dec. 19th.

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 at Agua Caliente Park
2025-11-21 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: ((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.

Cancelled/Rescheduled - Stargazing at Chiricahua National Monument
2025-11-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
This Star Party has been rescheduled for Dec. 20th.

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. The event is free of charge, no reservations are required. 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.

HYBRID – General Meeting – December 2025
2025-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: How Robotic Telescopes Revolutionized Binary Star Research

Astronomer Russ Genet will talk about the advances in robotic telescope imaging. Fairborn Observatory, founded by Dr Genet, installed their first robotic telescopes in a fully automated observatory on Arizona’s Mt. Hopkins in 1985. By 1989, a “farm” of seven robots was remotely accessible via 9600 baud modems. The Alt-Az Initiative explored whether the technology of large mountaintop alt-az, direct drive, research telescopes could be scaled down to improve smaller robotic telescopes. This led to the development of the PlaneWave Instrument’s 0.7-meter CDK-700 robotic research telescope now used by Astronomy Research Seminar teams. Seminar students, supported by amateur astronomers, obtain and analyze original data on a binary star and publish the results. More than 200 team papers have been published. Observations have evolved from using astrometric eyepieces on 6-inch telescopes, to remote observations using speckle interferometry on robotic telescopes such as the CDK-700. Gila Community College currently offers introductory and advanced astronomy research courses where several student teams collaborate in their research and paper writing. TAAA members would be most welcome to become team members. With the proper equipment, the TAAA’s 0.8-meter (32”) DFM telescope, recently installed at CAC, could be a major contributor to similar amateur and student published research.

Biography:

Russell (Russ) Genet is an Astronomy Instructor at Gila Community College. He has a BS in electrical engineering and a PhD in astronomy. Russ founded the Fairborn Observatory in 1979, pioneered the development of robotic telescopes in the 1980s, was the 52nd President of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (1993-1995), and initiated the Astronomy Research Seminars in 2007. He is a member of the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, and the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. An active instrument-rated pilot, Russ lives in Payson, Arizona with his wife, Cheryl, who teaches philosophy and world religions. Russ is the author or coauthor of many books and papers. See https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8020-3459 or visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Merle_Genet.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – December 2025
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Title: Constellation of the Month Gemini

Presenter: Connor Justice

Connor Justice will be presenting on the constellation Gemini.

Title: Comets

Presenter: Stephen Ferris

Stephen Ferris will be discussing Comets for our main topic.

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
2025-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | 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://www.explore.pima.gov/pima/programs and click on the “Environmental Education” square to select. Once open, type in “stargazing” for the keyword and then scroll down for the event.These events may fill up early.

Stargazing @ Tohono Chul Park - "Holiday Nights" Event
2025-12-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Tohono Chul Park, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Tucson, Arizona, 85704, United States
Join us at the Tohono Chul Park in Tucson AZ for an evening of stargazing through our telescopes during their “Holiday Nights” event at this historic location.

TAAA will have our Volunteer Astronomers with Telescopes setup and viewing Planets, Nebulas, Galaxies, Star Clusters and more, under the dark skies of Southern Arizona! Look for us around the Horse Pavillion.

For more information check out:Holiday Nights 2025 – Tohono Chul – Tucson, AZ

Telescope viewing is free but Tohono Chul admission tickets to event are required. (See above link)

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 Saguaro National Park – East Side - Venue change.
2025-12-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Desert Research Learning Center, 12661 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Star Party – Saguaro National Park – East SideNow at their Desert Learning Center

12661 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85730Map Coordinates: 32.22239965337127, -110.72231843802784Drive to the end of Broadway Blvd, parking is limited along roadside. Guides will give directions, short walk to site.

Great dark skies on the East side of Tucson at Saguaro National Park – East Side’s Desert Learning Center. Please do not go to the National Park entrance, it will be closed due to construction.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 at Chiricahua National Monument
2025-12-20 18:00 - 20:00 | 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. The event is free of charge, no reservations are required. 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 @ Tohono Chul Park – “Holiday Nights” Event
2025-12-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Tohono Chul Park, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Tucson, Arizona, 85704, United States

Holiday Observing at Chiricahua Astronomy Complex
2025-12-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, 9315 E Perseus Way, Pearce, AZ, 85625, United States
Have guests or family in town over the Holidays. Join us for a family friendly observing event at our Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, about a 2 hour drive SE of Tucson near the Chiricahua mountains. For a nominal fee, your family or guests can have a guided observing session of the Universe using one or more of our large telescopes. We will observe planets such as Saturn in breath-taking clarity, multiple star systems, star clusters, Nebulae gas clouds, galaxies millions of light-years away, and lots more. Fee is only $25/youth under 15 and $50/adult. To register, please use the below link.

HYBRID – General Meeting – December 2025
2026-01-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: TAAA Astro-Imaging Special Interest Group (AISIG)

Presenter: Jeff Rothstein

The Astro-Imaging SIG (AISIG) seeks to advance the skills of all who image the night sky, from beginners to veterans. Jeff Rothstein will describe the many activities of the AISIG, including monthly meetings that have included topics like the new smart telescopes; Astronomical League programs for imagers; and how to cull frames before integrating them. He will also describe a recent imaging contest and a planned meetup at CAC next spring. He’ll also be sharing some of the group’s images.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Monday of each month from 7-8:30 MST. YouTube videos of the meetings can be viewed afterward. All members of TAAA are welcome to attend.

Title: TAAA Radio Astronomy Special Interest Group (RASIG)

Presenter: Gary Steffens

The RASIG was formed in June 2025 to provide TAAA members with the opportunity to pursue interests in radio astronomy. Gary Steffens will introduce this newest SIG offering available to all TAAA members.The stated objectives of the RASIG are:Learn about the history of radio astronomyAssist members in pursuing Radio Astronomy observing through discussion and development of skills and equipment.Assist members in building a small personal radio telescope.Expand radio astronomy observing through outreach events.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 MST. YouTube videos of the meetings can be viewed afterward. All members of TAAA are welcome to attend.

Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
2026-01-04 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 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 Bicycle Ramada next to, or at, the Visitors Center.This event will most likely be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – January 2026
2026-01-08 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Title: Various astronomy events that will be occurring

Presenter: Connor Justice

To start the new year, Connor Justice will be highlighting various astronomy events that will be occurring throughout the year such as eclipses, meteor showers, and planetary alignments.

Stargazing @ Canoa Ranch
2026-01-09 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 Conservation Lands and Resources (CLR) for some stargazing at Historic Canoa Ranch.

Our volunteer astronomers with their telescopes 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 this link to register: https://www.explore.pima.gov/pima/programs and click on the “Environmental Education” square to select. Then use “Stargazing” as a Keyword.These events fill up quickly.

Stargazing at Tumacacori National Historical Park
2026-01-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Tumacacori National Historical Park, 1891 E Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ, 85640, United States
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.

Stargazing at Saguaro NP – West
2026-01-16 19:00 - 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 7pm! Telescopes will be arranged around the entrance walkway.

Introductory talks will be given starting at (TBD) by the National Park Service (NPS) 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
