Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Stargazing @ Canoa Ranch
2026-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 (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 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, 2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:30 | 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

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
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 – February 2026
2026-02-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission: On the Way to Explore Ocean World Habitability

Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Project Scientist for the Europa Clipper Mission, gives this month’s featured talk. In his words: “On October 14, 2024, NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft launched on its journey to Jupiter’s moon Europa, an icy world believed to harbor a global subsurface ocean. Observations from the Galileo mission revealed Europa to have a relatively young and deformed ice surface. An induced magnetic field implies the presence of a salty ocean beneath the ice. Tidal forces from Jupiter fracture the ice shell into ridges, bands, and chaotic terrains, suggesting ice mobility and possible local melting. Earth- and space-based telescopes suggest the presence of plumes that may vent interior water vapor into space. Europa may contain the key ingredients necessary for life—liquid water, bioessential elements, chemical energy, and long-term stability—making it a compelling target for investigation of ocean world habitability.

The Europa Clipper mission will address Europa’s habitability using an advanced suite of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments that probe the moon’s interior, composition, and geology, while also searching for present-day activity such as plumes. During its 5.5-year cruise to Jupiter, the mission is maturing operations concepts and validating instrument performance, including through flyby observations of Mars, Earth, and interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. After entering Jupiter orbit in 2030, the spacecraft will execute 49 close encounters with Europa at altitudes of typically 25–100 km above the surface, enabling unprecedented observations of this ocean world.”

Dr. Pappalardo’s presentation will summarize our current understanding of Europa, describe how Europa Clipper is designed to investigate its habitability, and provide an update on mission status as the spacecraft continues its journey to the Jovian system.

Presenter: Robert Pappalardo

Robert Pappalardo is a JPL Fellow and Senior Research Scientist, and the Project Scientist for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. He has also served as the Project Scientist for the first extended mission of the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn, for which he received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. He received his B.A. in Geological Sciences from Cornell University in 1986, and he obtained his Ph.D. in Geology from Arizona State University in 1994. His research focuses on processes that have shaped the icy satellites of the outer solar system, especially Europa and the role of its probable subsurface ocean. He has co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed journal papers and book chapters, and he served as the chief editor of the University of Arizona Press book Europa. Through the years, Pappalardo has mentored students and post-docs, and he has worked with various science museums and organizations to bring the excitement of astronomy and planetary exploration to the public.

Photo Caption: Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Project Scientist for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission

Photo Credit: Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Lab

Stargazing at Agua Caliente Park
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-18 19:30 - 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.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.

Stargazing at Catalina State Park
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – February 2026
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Title: Constellation of the Month Hydra

Presenter: Connor Justice

Our constellation of the month is Hydra.

Title: Measurement Units used in Astronomy

Presenter: Connor Justice

Connor Justice will be presenting the main topic on Measurement Units used in Astronomy.

Stargazing at Tubac Presidio State Historical Park
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | 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 an 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 event is for Tubac Presidio Members only. Membership is available for non-members of the Presidio at the main entrance/gift shop.

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 Oracle State Park
2026-02-14 19:00 - 21:00 | 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 (7:00 – 9:00pm)

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)

Stargazing at Saguaro National Park – East Side – Temp Venue change.
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | 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

Star Party at PCC-East
2026-02-21 14:00 - 21:00 | Pima Community College East, 8181 E Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States
(2PM-5pm): Solar observing, astronomy demos, and more.(5-6:30PM): Talk about the OSIRIS-REx Mission

(6:30pm-9pm): Star party, planet observing, planetarium show, and more.For more information see “More info” button below.

Follow our Facebook event for any real-time updates or adjustments due to weather at: TAAA Facebook Events page

Stargazing @ Picacho Peak State Park
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-24 19:30 - 21:30 | 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

HYBRID – General Meeting – March 2026
2026-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: A Cosmic Odyssey: The Epic Journey of our Milky Way Galaxy

Astronomers estimate that approximately one in a thousand galaxies in the nearby universe is in the act of colliding. Although rare locally, we find that galaxy mergers were far more common and produced the majority of all the infrared emission in the early Universe. Therefore, studying these rare mergers in our local Universe gives us a window into the galactic train wrecks of the early Universe that shaped galaxy evolution. It has been over 100 years since astronomer Vesto Slipher discovered that, unlike every other galaxy we observe, our nearest neighbor, Andromeda, is on a collision course with the Milky Way. In order to understand the fate of our galaxy, observations of hundreds of ongoing galaxy mergers, with have been collected, with every major space-based observatory available—e.g. Hubble, Spitzer, Herschel, GALEX, Chandra, and JWST— as part of the Great Observatories All-Sky LIRG Survey (GOALS). These luminous infrared galaxies host the most extreme dust-enshrouded stellar nurseries in the local Universe. In this talk, Dr. Sean Linden presents the story of the Milky Way Galaxy; how the ongoing interaction with Andromeda has shaped it so far, and what we have learned about galaxy mergers in GOALS that allow us to predict what the Milky Way will look like in the future.

Presenter: Dr. Sean Linden

Dr. Sean Linden received his PhD in the Spring of 2020 from the Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia working with Dr. Aaron Evans and Dr. Eric Murphy at the NRAO. He then moved to a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for three years working with Dr. Daniela Calzetti on studies of star clusters in nearby galaxies with JWST. Sean is currently the Peter A. Strittmatter Prize Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Arizona, and will be starting a new position as an assistant professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Rochester Institute of Technology next Fall.

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park – Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
2026-03-07 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 “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.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – March 2026
2026-03-12 18:30 - 20:00 | AZ
Title: Highlighting the constellation Aquila and discussing the Event Horizon Telescope.

Presenter: Connor Justice

This month, Connor Justice will be presenting highlighting the constellation Aquila and discussing the Event Horizon Telescope.

Stargazing at Chiricahua National Monument
2026-03-20 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, just past the entrance gate about 1/2 mile. Follow signs in the park for public parking. 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 @ Canoa Ranch
2026-03-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ, 85622, United States
Sorry, but this event has been cancelled.

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 Saguaro National Park – East Side – Venue change
2026-03-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States

HYBRID – General Meeting – April 2026
2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: TAAA Dark Sky Sites…A Great Club Perk!

TAAA Members Jim Knoll, Bill Lofquist, and Stephen Ferris will speak about the exciting opportunities for dark site viewing available for TAAA members at TIMPA (which stands for Tucson International Modelplex Park Association) and at CAC (Chicahua Astronomy Complex)

TIMPA is just 25 miles west from the center of Tucson. TAAA has used the site for almost 30 years. It includes restrooms, 6 user pads, and the club’s original big telescope, the 14″ Gila Monster observatory. TIMPA Director, Stephen Ferris reports that “in the last two years, we’ve also added a second permanently mounted big telescope, the TIMPA Meade 16″ SCT. Late last year, we also acquired a Losmandy G11 mount which we are matching with two high quality refractors and an ASIAir control unit.” TIMPA now can welcome SmartScopes of all types. SmartScopes are a great new tool for both beginning and experienced astronomers. TIMPA is planning multiple events for SmartScopes in the next few months. This close-in site opens at sunset, and members can stay until dawn.

Presenters: Jim Knoll and Bill Lofquist

Jim Knoll and Bill Lofquist will give the latest information about TAAA’s very own 16-acre CAC observing site. CAC is two hours SE of Tucson near the Chiricahua Mountains. From here you can easily see the Milky Way and many astronomy objects with just your eyes. Telescopes at the site include a 40-inch, 32-inch, 25-inch, 18-inch, several 14-inch scopes, a 9-inch refractor and many more. CAC has 10 sleeping rooms, 7 RV sites, a large tent camping area, and a classroom.

Learn about the history and current availability of both observing sites at the April TAAA meeting.

Stargazing at Oracle State Park
2026-04-04 19:30 - 21:30 | 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 (7:30 – 9:30pm)

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)

Solar Telescope Observing @ Saguaro NP – East
2026-04-05 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 entrance to the Visitors Center.This event will most likely be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting –April 2026
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:00 | AZ
Title: Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Presenter: Pete Hermes

Pete Hermes will be discussing Gravitational Wave Astronomy for our main topic.

Title: astronomer of the month

Presenter: Connor Justice

Connor Justice will be highlighting Johannes Hevelius for our astronomer of the month..

Semi-Annual Evening Under the Stars
2026-04-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, 9315 E Perseus Way, Pearce, AZ, 85625, United States
FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PUBLIC EVENT. Come see the TAAA Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (CAC) and observe through some huge telescopes taking in the wonders of the Universe. The site will open at 7 pm with observing from 7:30-9:30 pm. Reservations Required. Email euts[at]tucsonastronomy.org with number people, number vehicles, and email contact information. Additional Information: Evening Under the Stars

Marana - Camping Under the Stars
2026-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N Lon Adams Rd, Marana, AZ, 85653, United States
Astronomy event supporting Marana – Camping Under the Stars. For more information, see their website: Camping Under the Stars – Town of Marana, AZ

HYBRID – General Meeting – May 2026
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: All About Asteroids

In 1801, Ceres became the first asteroid ‘discovered.’ (it was since reclassified as a dwarf planet.) Since then, astronomers have used widely differing approaches to learn about the nature of asteroids. Nearly all of them are point sources that show no details through the largest telescopes. And so, several clever methods to determine their properties have evolved. These include photometry, radar imaging, and stellar occultations. Tom Polakis’ presentation will range from the history of asteroid discoveries to the latest science about them and what future projects are planned. He will show samples of his techniques to study and photograph asteroids

Presenter: Tom Polakis

Tom Polakis has been an active amateur astronomer for 48 years, during which has seen Saturn circle the sun 1 1/2 times. He is a member of Saguaro Astronomy Club and East Valley Astronomy Club in Metro Phoenix. A graduate of Michigan State University, and a retired mechanical engineer, Tom’s main interests involve visual observing of all astronomical phenomena, and imaging them with equipment ranging from a phone to a backyard observatory. He has a special interest in describing the universe as an ever-changing entity. His writing and photography have regularly appeared in magazines such as Astronomy and Sky & Telescope. More recently, he has been an author or co-author for refereed astronomical publications.
