Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Stargazing @ Canoa Ranch
2024-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Phoenix) | 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.
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Go to: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
These events fill up quickly, so recommend registering as early as possible.

Tucson Astronomy Festival
2024-03-30 15:00 - 21:00 | Brandi Fenton Park, 3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
Tucson Astronomy Festival at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
Telescopes, Exhibits, Fun!

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (Ramada #1)
3482 E River Rd

ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Safe Solar viewing of the Sun – 3 PM to 6:30 PM
Hands-On Interactive Exhibits for Kids – 3 PM to 6 PM
Door Prizes will be given away at 6:30 PM– winners must be present to win
——- Grand Prize: Small Telescope ——–

Night Sky Viewing – 7:30 PM to 9 PM
Kid-Friendly Scope viewing throughout the evening

No charge for any activities, donations will be accepted.
Bring your own telescope for help in setting it up and operating the scope.

+ GOOGLE CALENDAR+ ICAL EXPORT

Cancelled - General Meeting – April 2024
2024-04-05 18:30 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
The General Meeting, normally held on the first Friday of the month, has been cancelled for April due to the Eclipse of the Sun on April 8th, since many of the club members will be traveling out of state for the event.

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
2024-04-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area, 2000 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ, 85743, United States
Star Party @ Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
Tucson, 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
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to this link to register: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
These events may fill up early.

Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 10:00 - 12:30 | AZ
There will be a Total Solar Eclipse visible in the United States on April 8th. To see Totality, you must be within the path of totality. This path can be viewed at: https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com.
Additional information is also available on our Eclipse page: https://tucsonastronomy.org/2024-total-solar-eclipse/
A Partial Eclipse will be visible in Tucson.
We will have Solar Telescopes set up at venues around Tucson to safely view the Eclipse.
See the above TAAA Website link above for the current list of locations.
Partial Start in Tucson: 10 am
Maximum Partial: 11:19 am
Partial Ends: 12:30 pm
You must wear approved Eclipse Solar Glasses to view every portion of the partial eclipse. These glasses are available from a variety of sources. Make sure you use a reputable source.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – April 2024
2024-04-11 08:00 - 17:00 | ONLINE
TBD

Stargazing at Chiricahua National Monument
2024-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.

Evening Under the Stars (Chiricahua Astronomy Complex)
2024-04-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, 9315 E Perseus Way, Pearce, AZ, 85625, United States
Evening Under the Stars Observing at the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) Chiricahua Astronomy Complex. Want to stargaze from a dark site where the band of the Milky Way is clearly visible across the sky? You see so many stars it is hard to pick out the constellations. Twice per year, we open our TAAA Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (Turkey Creek area near Chiricahua National Monument) to the public for an observing session. You can observe through a telescope with a 40″ mirror and see galaxies over 100 million light years away. We will have several large telescopes to observe with.
Our Spring “Evening Under the Stars” will be Saturday April 13th 2024. The gate will be open at 6:30 pm with activities starting 7:00 pm. Observing will be from 7:30-9:30 pm. Come join us for an exciting evening of astronomical observing. The site is about 90 minutes SE of Tucson near the Chiricahua National Monument. If you have friends/family that live in that area, let them know. The event is weather dependent. Reservations are required. Please email euts[at]tucsonastronomy.org for reservations and directions. Please include number of people & vehicles in your group, and email address.

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2024-04-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House

Star Party telescope viewing (7:30 – 9:30pm)

Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park.
Star 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)

Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
2024-04-21 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 Agua Caliente Park
2024-04-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
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/).
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. go to: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
These events fill up fast so recommend registering early.

ONLINE – General Meeting – May 2024
2024-05-03 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Zoom Only General Meeting – May 2024

TAAA’s next general member meeting will be held on Friday, May 03, 2024. The Main Presentation will start at 6:30 P.M. This will be a ZOOM ONLY meeting. TAAA members will receive a Zoom link should they wish to attend remotely. The public may attend online through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/. It will be posted to YouTube afterwards.

Presentation: TAAA Member Image Sharing

Our May 2024 meeting features TAAA members sharing presentations of astronomy interest. Among these will be several April 8th eclipse experiences, (from the sublime to the disappointing), with visuals. If you would like to participate, please contact Jim Knoll by April 30th at jimknoll@tucsonastronomy.org. Also, contact him with any questions.

Election:

At this meeting we will also have results of our 2024 Leadership Election (online ballots to be sent out on April 26).

Credit: Voxvine.com for NASA April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Stargazing at Tumacacori National Historical Park
2024-05-03 20:00 - 22:00 | 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 operators for astronomical viewing.
We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes.
Event is free but NPS admission fees apply.
Weather dependent, check back here prior to event for possible updates on day of event.

Stargazing at Catalina State Park
2024-05-04 20:00 - 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.
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.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – May 2024
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Fast Radio Bursts
Presenter: Connor Justice
Connor Justice will be presenting Fast Radio Bursts as our only topic for the month.

Stargazing at Saguaro NP - East
2024-05-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Star Party – Saguaro National Park – East
Tucson, AZ
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

Stargazing at Anamax Park, Sahuarita AZ
2024-05-24 20:00 - 21:30 | Anamax Park, Sahuarita AZ, 17501 S Camino De Las Quintas, Sahuarita, AZ, 85629, United States
Star Party – Anamax Park, Sahuarita, AZ
Viewing Location: Field 4 in the middle of the soccer field
Great dark skies just South of Tucson.
Star Party open to the Public.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have telescopes for astronomical viewing.
We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more.
Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Grand Canyon Star Party
2024-06-01 20:00 - 2024-06-08 23:00 | Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, United States
The Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP) will be held this year from June 1 – 8 at the Grand Canyon National Park. Telescope observing typically goes from 8-11 pm at the Visitor Center of the South Rim. There will also be a GCSP at the North Rim.
We will have up to 60 telescopes each night observing planets, galaxies, multiple star systems, star clusters, nebulae, and much more.
For more information, see the TAAA GCSP webpage at: Grand Canyon Star Party or the National Park Service Grand Canyon Webpage at: NPS Grand Canyon Webpage

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2024-06-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House

Star Party telescope viewing (8:00 – 10:00pm)

Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park.
Star 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)

CANCELLED – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – June 2024
2024-06-13 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
JUNE MEETING CANCELLED

ZOOM ONLY – General Meeting – June 2024
2024-06-14 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Presentation: Following Pluto’s Heart: A Look into Pluto’s Past and Present

When NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew through the Pluto system in 2015, it revealed a geologic surface of surprising complexity, which further hinted at the dwarf planet’s unusual hidden depths. The characteristics of Pluto’s thick ice shell and its potentially long-lived subsurface ocean, as well as the composition of its rocky core, remain active questions. The answers to these questions have critical implications for how icy bodies and ocean worlds form across the outer Solar System. In this talk, I will focus on the Sputnik basin, Pluto’s largest impact basin, and investigate its formation conditions, morphology, and proposed association with geologic features elsewhere on the surface. By reproducing the giant impact that formed Sputnik, I can reconstruct Pluto’s evolution over geologic time.

Bio: Dr. Adeene Denton is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory interested in giant impacts and their influence on the history, evolution and tectonic activity of icy satellites, ocean worlds, and Kuiper Belt Objects. Adeene received bachelor’s degrees in History and Earth Science from Rice University in 2016, her MS in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science from Brown University in 2018, and her PhD in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science from Purdue University in 2022. She uses a combination of numerical tools, from shock physics codes to finite element modeling, to explore the effects of giant impacts, which begin in the first few seconds after impact and can extend for hundreds of millions of years. She is passionate about integrating numerical modeling, fieldwork, and everything in between to approach planetary problems. Asteroid 16883 adeenedenton is named for her research on impact processes on outer Solar System worlds, including Pluto.

Caption: Heart of Pluto / Credit: NASA/NEW HORIZONS TEAM

Stargazing at Saguaro NP – East
2024-06-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States

HYBRID – General Meeting – July 2024
2024-07-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: SHARK-VIS Ushers In A New Age of Planetary Imaging
Since Voyager images in 1979 revealed volcanic activity on Jupiter’s moon Io, (the most volcanically active world in our solar system), Io’s surface has been monitored by both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes. In his presentation, scientist Al Conrad presents the highest resolution images of Io ever obtained from a ground-based telescope. Taken by the Large Binocular Telescope’s new instrument, SHARK-VIS, they show evidence of a recent major resurfacing event on Io, and usher in a new age of planetary imaging by using adaptive optics at optical wavelengths. Scientists hope monitoring Io’s eruptions will shed light on the tidal heating mechanism responsible for Io’s intense volcanism, and, according to Conrad, “Io, therefore presents a unique opportunity to learn about the mighty eruptions that helped shape the surfaces of the Earth and the moon in their distant pasts.”

Bio: Dr. Al Conrad, associate staff scientist at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1994. Before joining LBT in 2014, he worked as a software engineer and support astronomer at both Lick and Keck Observatories, then at Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, where he led the development of the adaptive optics system for LINC-NIRVANA (near- infrared imaging instrument). At LBT, Al has served as the point of contact for commissioning of several instruments. His current duties include the science archive, SHARK-NIR (infra-red instrument), SHARK-VIS, and others. His research interests include asteroid systems and developing novel techniques to study comets, planets, and the moons of planets, in particular Jupiter’s moon Io. He enjoys cycling, sailing, and outrigger canoe paddling.

Jupiter’s moon Io imaged by SHARK-VIS on Jan. 10, 2024

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – July 2024
2024-07-11 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Cosmic Microwave Background
Presenter: Connor Justice
Connor Justice will be presenting on the history behind the Cosmic Microwave Background.

HYBRID – General Meeting – August 2024
2024-08-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation 1: Observing The Fall Sky

Mary Turner presents her popular seasonal talk about what to see in the summer night sky, as well as fascinating myths and facts about each object. Learn about bright planets, meteor showers, and all else accessible, to the naked eye, binoculars, and/or telescopes.

Bio: Dr. Mary Turner received her Ph.D in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona (UA). She is currently the Technical Fellow in Optical Design for Edmund Optics, where she designs custom optical systems for a wide variety of applications, including camera systems, machine vision applications, free-space communications and other laser systems. Additionally. Dr. Turner is a lecturer for the University of California-Irvine, teaching courses in optical design. She also lectures at UA in various aspects of optical design, and has authored chapters in several technical references relating to the field of optical design.

Presentation 2: A History of the Grand Canyon Star Party

TAAA member Jim Knoll will review the history of the Grand Canyon Star Party, from its humble beginning by a dedicated member of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) to the premiere outreach event it is today. Grand Canyon National Park is a perfect location as a Dark Sky Park at 7,000 feet with incredible views of the Milky Way and the rest of our Universe. The Star Party is co-hosted by TAAA and the National Park Service. It is held annually in June, near the New Moon, and is free and open to everyone in the Park. We typically set up between 50 and 60 telescopes and provide daytime and nighttime observing over 8 days and nights, with around 125 volunteers. GCSP draws over 15,000 visitors yearly. The 2024 Star Party was the 34th in the series. The 35th Grand Canyon Star Party will be held June 21-28, 2025. Additional information: https://tucsonastronomy.org/upcoming-events/grand-canyon-star-party/.

Bio: Jim Knoll joined the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association in 2004. Since that time, he has been involved in many TAAA activities, particularly outreach events. He has been the School Program Coordinator, and is currently the Coordinator for Tucson Stargazing Adventures (paid star parties). Jim is also the Chiricahua Astronomy Complex Director, the Library Telescope Coordinator, and most recently assumed the role of Coordinator for the annual Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP). As GCSP Coordinator, he oversees a planning team of several TAAA members to orchestrate the yearly event in conjunction with the National Park Service.

Caption: Over 1,200 visitors a night at GCSP, 2018 / Credit: Dean Ketelsen

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – August 2024
2024-08-08 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Supernovae
Presenter: Connor Justice
This month for our main topic, we will be revisiting a 2019 presentation on Supernovae.
Constellation of the Month: Pegasus
We will also be revisiting the Constellation Pegasus, to give some observation ideas for the Fall once monsoon season breaks.

HYBRID – General Meeting – September 2024
2024-09-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Presentation: My Deep-Sky Astrophotography Journey

TAAA member David Stearn shares his journey into Deep-Sky Astrophotography, showcasing his transition from landscape and nature photography to capturing the wonders of the cosmos. This presentation is perfect for visual astronomers interested in exploring the world of imaging, as well as for seasoned astrophotographers looking to learn new techniques. David will cover his beginnings, his advanced astro rig, and his expertise in capturing deep-sky objects, sharing valuable insights on imaging capture techniques, workflow, and image processing.

Bio: David Stearn is an Amateur Deep Space Photographer. He holds a BS Degree in Marketing from Northern Illinois University, and has been an amateur photographer for 20 years. With a background in landscape and nature photography, David has transitioned his skills and passions to astrophotography, leveraging his skills to capture stunning deep-sky objects. He is excited to share his journey and techniques with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. David’s photo gallery can be found at https://www.astrobin.com/users/astronewbie/

Caption: The Triangulum Galaxy, also known as M33

Credit: David Stearn

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – September 2024
2024-09-12 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation: Star Atlas
Presenter: Connor Justice
This month, Connor Justice will be re-presenting a 2019 presentation on Star Atlas.
Astronomer of the Month: Al-battani
Presenter: Pete Hermes
Pete Hermes will be highlighting the Middle Ages astronomer Al-battani.
