Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Stargazing at Aqua Caliente Park
2023-05-20 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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:Eventbright and search “Stargazing” and location “Tucson”. These events fill up fast so recommend registering early. Event may not show up until about two months out.

Solar Telescope Observing at Saguaro NP - East
2023-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, 85730, United States
Solar Telescope Observing at Saguaro NP – East

May 14 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

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 Catalina State Park
2023-05-13 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.
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Catalina State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Catalina State Park. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have 10 telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a wide variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Additional details will be posted here and on Facebook as we get closer to the event.

Virtual Stargazing - Watch at home
2023-05-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Arizona
Virtual Stargazing

May 12 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more using cameras connected to our telescopes with commentary about the objects from our operators.
The event will be streamed to our YouTube channel (TAAA YouTube). You can follow the event on our Facebook page for any weather and other updates and the link to our YouTube Channel. FREE.
Check out Facebook page or back here closer to the event for any updates.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – May 2023
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Main Presentation:
Telescope Collimation with a Focus on Reflectors
Presenter: Doug Smith

Doug Smith will be presenting the main topic for the night on Telescope Collimation with a focus on Reflectors.
Second Presentation:
Astronomy Related App
Presenter: Connor Justice
Afterwards, Connor Justice would like to show an astronomy related app prototype.

ONLINE ONLY – General Meeting – May 2023
2023-05-05 18:30 - 20:30 | ONLINE
TAAA’s next general member meeting will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023. The Main Presentation will start at 6:30 P.M. Note that this month’s meeting will be online only. TAAA members will receive a Zoom link to attend. The public may stream via the TAAA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tucsonamateurastronomyasso2702
Title: JWST: Our First Year Capturing Light from the Dawn of Time
Presentation: In this talk, University of Arizona astronomer Kevin Hainline will discuss the exciting first year of NASA’s flagship space observatory: the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). He’ll share stories from his time working on the observatory, and discuss highlights from the wealth of data that JWST has brought us: awe-inspiring planets, nearby nebulae, baby stars, and the farthest galaxies humans have ever seen.
Bio: Dr. Kevin Hainline is an astronomy professor and researcher on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRCam science team at The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory. His research focuses on hunting for hidden supermassive black holes, and he’s currently using JWST to find and understand the most extreme, distant galaxies in the early universe. He received his PhD from UCLA in 2012 and spent three years as a researcher and professor at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire before moving to Tucson to work on JWST. Kevin has a passion for science outreach education, and has spoken about astronomy and our relation to the stars at events around the world.

Tucson Astronomy Festival
2023-04-29 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)

ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Safe Solar viewing of the Sun – 3 to 6:30 PM
Hands-On Interactive Exhibits for Kids – 3 to 6:00 PM
Door Prizes will be given away at 6:30 PM – winners must be present
——-Grand Prize: Small Telescope——–
Other prizes for the entire family
What’s up in the night sky talk – 7 to 7:30pm
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.

Stargazing @ Saguaro NP – East
2023-04-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 | 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: (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Oracle State Park
2023-04-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Star Party-Oracle State Park
Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Oracle State Park may apply. 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 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/). There is generally a talk and other events also taking place. Check the Oracle State Park website for additional information. Check TAAA Facebook Page or here for any updates as we get closer.

Stargazing Tucson Mountain Park - Ironwood Picnic Area
2023-04-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. Cost: FREE. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to this link (Eventbright) and search for: “Stargazing” and “Ironwood Picnic Area”, location: “Tucson” (event may not show up until about two months prior). These events may fill up early.

Stargazing @ Saguaro NP - West
2023-04-20 19:00 - 21:30 | 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 – West
Located 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.
Event is put on by Saguaro NP and the IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) to promote International Dark Sky Week.
An introductory talk will be given at 7pm.
The TAAA will have several Telescopes set up to view Stars, Nebula’s, Galaxies, Planets and more starting at 7:30pm!
The event is free and open to the public, but NPS admission fees may apply.
WEATHER DEPENDENT. Follow the event here for any weather updates or changes.

Chiricahua National Monument Stargazing
2023-04-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ, 85643, United States
TAAA Stargazing to view amazing solar system and deep sky objects from a 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 Faraway Ranch just inside the entrance gate. 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
2023-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Go to Eventbright and search for stargazing Canoa Ranch. May fill up quickly, so recommend registering as early as possible (event may not show up in Eventbright until about two months before).

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – April 2023
2023-04-13 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Historical Astronomer of the Month:
Edward Barnard
Presenter: Connor Justice
Connor Justice will be presenting our Astronomer of the month presentation on Edward Barnard.
Main Presentation:
Carbon Stars
Presenter: Pete Hermes

Pete Hermes will be discussing Carbon Stars.

Evening Under the Stars
2023-04-08 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 8th 2023. The gate will be open at 7:00 pm with activities starting 7:30 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 John Kalas at jckalas[at]cox.net for reservations and directions. Please include number of people & vehicles in your group.
The 40 inch StarStructures Dobsonian telescope on the deck of the Reynold-Mitchell Observatory.

HYBRID – General Meeting – April 2023
2023-04-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Main Presentation
TITLE: Fun Observing Projects with Zero Equipment
PRESENTATION: According to author and educator, Bob King, you don’t need a telescope to explore the underpinnings of the universe. A pair of eyes will do. In this month’s presentation, Bob will share three visual observing projects — exploring Earth’s shadow; observing and measuring naked-eye sunspots and getting a sense of the Milky Way Galaxy’s three-dimensional structure. As he explains, “Through close examination of the natural world, we open ourselves to the possibility of discovery, whether that means gaining a new perspective or noticing new details in familiar phenomena.”

BIO: Bob King fell in love with the night sky and astronomy when he was a kid and loves to share his passion with people of all ages through teaching and public observing. A graduate of the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), he’s a long-time member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), a community educator, writes the monthly Celestial Calendar for Sky & Telescope magazine as well as the Explore the Night blog for their website. Bob also pens the long-time blog called Astro Bob, which he started in 2008. He comes to us tonight via zoom from Duluth, Minnesota, on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Stargazing Agua Caliente Park
2023-03-24 19:00 - 21:00 | 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:Eventbright and search for “Stargazing” and location “Tucson”. These events fill up fast so recommend registering early. Event may not show up until about two months out.

Stargazing @ Tumacacori National Historical Park
2023-03-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Tumacacori National Historical Park, 1891 E Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ, 85640, United States
Event cancelled due to cloud cover
Starry Night in the Park – Tumacacori National Historical Park
Tumacacori, AZ
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.
Very dark skies in a rural setting with no city lights!
Star Party is open to the Public. Park entrance fees apply.
Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Stargazing at Saguaro NP - East
2023-03-17 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.
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 (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).

Stargazing Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
2023-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States
Cancelled due to lingering cloud cover.
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. Cost: FREE. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to this link and search Stargazing Ironwood Picnic Area (event may not show up until about two months prior): Eventbright
Event may fill up early.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – March 2023
2023-03-09 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Historical Astronomer of the Month:
Japanese Astronomers
Presenter: Doug Smith
This month Doug Smith will be presenting on Japanese Astronomers for our ongoing Astronomer of the Month series.
Main Presentation:
Large Telescopes
Presenter: Stephen Ferris

For our main topic, Stephen Ferris will be discussion the last part of his series on Large Telescopes.

HYBRID – General Meeting – March 2023
2023-03-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Main Presentation
TITLE: The Sky at Night – Easy enjoyment from your backyard
PRESENTATION: Avid stargazer and amateur astronomer, Tim Hunter, will talk about his recently published book, The Sky At Night (University of Arizona Press); how it came about from 750 Sky Spy astronomy columns—15 years worth—in Thursday’s Caliente, the Arizona Daily Star’s weekly entertainment section. Learn about his adventures, both the joys and aggravations, of being an astronomy columnist, including some of his most memorable mistakes and foibles. Tim will also discuss what it takes to write and get a book into print; the pros and cons of different paths to publishing. He will donate several copies of The Sky At Night to TAAA.

BIO: Tim Hunter has been an amateur astronomer since 1950, and is the owner of two observatories, the 3towers Observatory and the Grasslands Observatory (http://www.3towers.com). In his own words, he is also “a prime example of someone whose hobby has run amok, spending more time and money on it than common sense would dictate.” Tim has been the President of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, Inc. (TAAA) and a member of the TAAA since 1975. He is also the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Planetary Science Institute (PSI). Since 1986, Tim Hunter has been interested in the growing problem of light pollution. In 1987, he and Dr. David Crawford founded the International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. (IDA). IDA is a nonprofit corporation devoted to promoting quality outdoor lighting and combatting the effects of light pollution. And since 2007, Tim has written the weekly “Sky Spy” column for the Caliente Section of the Arizona Daily Star for 16 years. Asteroid 6398 is named Timhunter.

Stargazing Canoa Ranch
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ, 85622, United States
This Star Party is cancelled for tonight. The cloud cover is forecast to increase as the evening progresses to the point that it needs to be cancelled.
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 Eventbright and search for stargazing Canoa Ranch. May fill up quickly, so recommend registering as early as possible (event may not show up in Eventbright until about two months before).

Stargazing Catalina State Park
2023-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Catalina, AZ, United States

Solar Telescope Observing at Saguaro NP East
2023-02-12 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. The telescopes will be set up in front of the Visitors Center. This event may be canceled in the event of clouds/rain.

Tucson Star Party
2023-02-11 14:00 - 21:00 | Pima Community College East, 8181 E Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) in conjunction with Editors from the Astronomy Magazine and Pima Community College (PCC) East for some astronomy talks, solar observing, and evening stargazing.

Astronomy Talks and Safe Solar viewing of the Sun 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
(All Talks in the Observatory area, Room EC-M102)
Talks:
— Galaxies — David J Eicher, Astronomy magazine 2 p.m.
— 2023 & 2024 U.S. Solar Eclipses — Michael Bakich 3 p.m.
— (Topic TBD) — Alan Goldstein 4 p.m.
Campus Information & Tours 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Solar Observing at the Observatories 2 – 5 p.m.
Night Sky Viewing at the Observatories 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Evening observing of planets, star clusters, multiple star systems, nebulae, galaxies, and lots more through several telescopes.
Observing will be at the south end of the PCC East Campus near the astronomy domes.
Follow our Facebook event for any real-time updates or adjustments due to weather at: TAAA Facebook Events page

Virtual Stargazing
2023-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a Virtual tour of the Night Sky. We will explore planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies, and much more using cameras connected to telescopes. The event will be streamed to our YouTube channel (TAAA YouTube). You can follow our Facebook event for any weather and other updates and the link to our YouTube Channel. FREE.
Check Facebook or back here closer to the event for any updates.

ONLINE – Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – February 2023
2023-02-09 18:30 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Historical Astronomer of the Month:
None
Presenter:
We will not be having an astronomer of the month presentation.
Main Presentation:
Nebula’s and the Variants
Presenter: Connor Justice

This month our main topic is on Nebula’s and the variants presented by Connor Justice.

HYBRID – General Meeting – February 2023
2023-02-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 pm – Main Presentation
TITLE: Comets; History, Science, and Magic—A Personal Journey
PRESENTATION: David Levy, one of the most enthusiastic and famous amateur astronomers of our time, will talk about some of the great comets in Earth’s history. These frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system, composed of dust, rock, and ice, hold rich scientific information, making each encounter a much-studied event. Share an expert comet-hunter’s knowledge in this presentation featuring such comets as Halley, those of 1811, 1965, 1970, 1976, and the most famous of David’s many comet discoveries, the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet that collided with Jupiter in 1994.

BIO: David Levy is world-renowned for his comet-hunting expertise. A past president of TAAA, he’s authored over three dozen books, written for three astronomy magazines, and appeared on television programs featured on the Discovery and the Science Channels. Among his accomplishments are 23 comet discoveries, a few hundred shared asteroid discoveries, an Emmy for the documentary Three Minutes to Impact, five honorary doctorates in Science and a PhD which combines astronomy and English Literature. Currently, he has a monthly column, Skyward, jointly published in the Vail Voice community newspaper and the TAAA Desert Skies Bulletin. David continues to lecture worldwide, and hunt for comets and asteroids.
