Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Star Party - Oracle State Park
2017-09-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix) | Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ, 85623, United States
Star Party-Oracle State Park.
ORACLE
Setup: 6:30 pm. Observing: 7 – 9 pm
Viewing Location: Sidewalk along the Kannally Ranch House parking lot and on the Ranch House upper patio.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes to view some amazing solar system and deep-sky celestial objects.

Star Party - Agua Caliente Park
2017-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Pima County NRPR @ Agua Caliente Park
NORTHEAST TUCSON
Setup: 6:30 pm
Observing: 7 – 9 pm
Viewing Location: Bus Lanes @ North end of Parking Lot
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes to view some amazing solar system and deep-sky celestial objects.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – September 2017
2017-09-14 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Branden Dickerson will provide us with “A Non-Mathematical Introduction to Relativity”. The “Constellation of the Month”, will be Sagittarius. Bill Yohey will do the presentation, delayed from August.

General Meeting – September 2017
2017-09-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Introductory Presentation: More Eclipse Tales
Presenter: Alex Filippenko
We will show the second Alex Filippenko lecture called “More Eclipse Tales,” from his Understanding the Universe DVD course. Following that, we’ll hear some members share their Total Solar Eclipse 2017 experiences. (Members’ photos of the eclipse will be shown in November. We’ll talk about how to participate.)
Main Presentation: Satellite Galaxies and Dwarfs in the Local Group
Presenter: Ekta Patel
Ekta will begin by reviewing the current classification system used by astronomers to identify different types of galaxies. She will then present an overview of satellite galaxies, including what they are, how they were discovered, and how astronomers use them to understand the evolution and formation of our own Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. She will explain the current research she is conducting using computer simulations of the Universe to further study satellite galaxies in a context beyond the scope of what observations alone can teach us.

Partial Solar Eclipse
2017-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | AZ
There will likely be several Astronomy events throughout Tucson to observe the Partial Solar Eclipse. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association does not have a specific location planned, but will likely support UA or other agencies with some solar telescopes.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – August 2017
2017-08-10 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
This month Ruth Gomez will give us some fascinating information about “Eclipse Superstitions and Myths”. The “Constellation of the Month” is Sagittarius.

General Meeting – August 2017
2017-08-04 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Title: Science at the 2017 Eclipse: The Citizen CATE Experiment
Presenter: Matt Penn, Ph.D., National Solar Observatory
The summer’s total eclipse presents a special opportunity for a group of citizen scientists including scientists, high school students, and educators. The Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse (CATE) Experiment will monitor the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona, using a network of 68 identical telescopes located at various places along the path of totality.

Lunar and Planetary Lab Open House
2017-07-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Lunar & Planetary Laboratory, 1629 E University Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Open House for the Lunar and Planetary Lab (LPL). LPL is in the Kuiper Sciences Building on the UA Mall, just east of Flandrau Planetarium. This year’s theme is HiRISE and Mars.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – July 2017
2017-07-13 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Details to be determined.

General Meeting – July 2017
2017-07-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Introductory Presentation – 6:30 PM
Title: Objects of the Quarter
Presenter: Mary Turner, Ph.D,
In her latest sky talk, Mary Turner, TAAA’s Chief Observer, takes us on a tour of the summer night sky. With the use of astronomical data, images, and mythology, Mary provides an overview of what to expect in the sky during the coming months.
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Main Presentation – 7:30 PM
Title: Catalina Sky Survey; What It Does and How Amateur Astronomers Can Help
Presenter: Eric J. Christensen, Chief Investigator of Catalina Sky Survey, University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Chief Investigator Eric J. Christensen will give an overview of the Catalina Sky Survey (CSS), the NASA funded project based at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab. CSS is dedicated to discovering and tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs). Learn about CSS’s history, latest discoveries, and crucial role in planetary defense against potentially hazardous asteroids. Eric will talk about the value of Asteroid Day (June 30), mitigation options should an impact from an NEO be predicted, plus the contributions amateur astronomers make to the discovery process.

Vail Star Party
2017-07-02 19:45 - 21:30 | Vail Lutheran Church, 14600 E Colossal Cave Rd, Vail, AZ, 85641, United States
Star Party-Vail Preservation Society; 4th of July Celebration
VAIL
Setup: 7 pm
Observing: 7:45 – 9:30 pm
Viewing Location: Vail Lutheran Church, south of the buildings
Estimated # Participants: 100
Age/Grade: All Ages
# Scopes Required: 4
Other Activities: Part of Vail 4th of July celebration.

Sonoran Desert Museum Cool Summer "Astronomy" Night
2017-06-24 18:00 - 21:30, 2017-05-20 18:00 - 21:30 | Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85743, United States
Join TAAA and the Sonoran Desert Museum for the Cool Summer Nights Astronomy Event. TAAA will have several telescopes set up around the Museum to view some amazing solar system and deep-sky objects.

Grand Canyon Star Party
2017-06-17 - 2017-06-24 | Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, United States
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, in conjunction with the National Park Service, will sponsor a week-long Star Party at the Grand Canyon.
Observing will be from Dusk to about 11 pm. Telescopes will be set up behind the Visitor Center. There will also be nightly talks @ 8 pm in the Visitor Center Auditorium. There will be Solar Observing throughout the day at various locations around the Park.
We will observe a wide variety of Celestial Wonders under some very dark and pristine skies. Come join us for some astronomy fun at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!
For further information, contact:
Jim O’Connor
South Rim Coordinator, Grand Canyon Star Party
gcsp [at] tucsonastronomy.org
P, O. Box 457
Cortaro, AZ 85652
Home: (520) 546-2961
Cell: (520) 405-6551

Spacefest STEAM Event
2017-06-10 09:00 - 15:00, 2017-06-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Starr Pass Resort, 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, 85745, United States
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several solar telescopes to observe the Sun from 9 am to 3 pm supporting the Spacefest Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) event. We will also have some interactive Astronomy activities for kids and adults.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – June 2017
2017-06-08 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Come join us for a presentation from the fundamentals of amateur astronomy. This month Stephen Ferris will do part 2 of his “Cosmology” presentation. The “Constellation of the Month” is “Bootes” presented by Bill Yohey.

General Meeting – June 2017
2017-06-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
6:30 PM: Introductory Presentation
Title: Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo
Presenter: Pranvera Hyseni
7:30 PM: Main Presentation
Title: Juno Space Probe Update
Presenter: Dr. William Hubbard, Professor Emeritus of the Lunar and Planetary Lab and Co-Investigator of the Juno Mission to Jupiter

Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park @ Ironwood Picnic Area
2017-05-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States
Star Party-Pima County NRPR @ Tucson Mountain Park (Ironwood Picnic)
WEST TUCSON
Setup: 7 pm
Observing: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Viewing Location: Ironwood Picnic area near restroom facilities.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes to view some amazing solar system and deep-sky celestial objects.

Star Party-Agua Caliente Park
2017-05-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2017-04-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85749, United States
Star Party-Pima County NRPR @ Agua Caliente Park
NORTHEAST TUCSON
Setup: 7 pm
Observing: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Viewing Location: Bus Lanes @ North end of Parking Lot
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes to view some amazing solar system and deep-sky celestial objects.

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – May 2017
2017-05-11 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
TBA

General Meeting – May 2017
2017-05-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States

Astronomy Festival
2017-04-29 12:00 - 21:00 | Brandi Fenton Park, 3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
Astronomy Day Celebration! The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will host a free family Astronomy Festival on Saturday April 29, 2017 from Noon to 9 pm at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E River Road (River & Alvernon) Ramada A. We will have safe solar viewing of the Sun and interactive astronomy exhibits for the kids, including building an eclipse viewer, throughout the afternoon. During the evening, there will be about 10 telescopes for observing such celestial wonders as: Jupiter, Mars, and a small crescent Moon; Double Stars and Star Clusters; Nebulae; Galaxies; and more. Plus, at 8 pm, we will have a “Walk Around the Night Sky” presentation about constellations and astronomy folk lore. At dusk, there will be a free raffle of a 50mm telescope (must be present to win) + other cool prizes. Participants can bring their personal telescopes if you want any help using it. There will also be a food truck throughout the afternoon for purchasing food.
For real-time updates (weather and changing events, check back here or follow the event on our Facebook page (link under Media on our home page).
Schedule:
Noon – 6:30 pm Safe Solar viewing of the Sun
Noon – 6:00 pm Interactive Astronomy Exhibits
– Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse by making an eclipse viewer
– Other interactive projects for kids to have fun with astronomy
7:00 pm Door Prize (free) – 50mm refractor telescope (must be present to win) + other prizes
7:30 – 9:00 pm Night Sky Viewing through TAAA telescopes
– TAAA will have a couple “kid friendly” telescopes for kids to find and
view celestial objects
8:00 pm Walk Around The Night Sky Presentation
– Learn about constellations, celestial objects, and Folk Lore
All Day / Evening Bring personal telescopes for assistance in using if desired
No charge for any activities, donations will be accepted.

Marana Under the Stars Star Party
2017-04-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N Lon Adams Rd, Marana, AZ, 85653, United States
Star Party-Marana Parks & Recreation (Ora Mae Harn Park)
Marana Under the Stars
MARANA
Setup: 6:30 pm
Observing: 7 – 9 pm
Viewing Location: Ora Mae Harn Park (near Playground)
Estimated # Participants: 200
Age/Grade: All Ages
# Scopes Required: 3

Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
2017-04-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Ironwood Picnic, 7300 W Hal gras Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735, United States

Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – April 2017
2017-04-13 18:30 - 20:30 | U.S.G.S. Building, 520 North Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States

General Meeting – April 2017
2017-04-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Steward Observatory Lecture Hall (Room N210), 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Introductory Presentation – 6:30 pm
Seasonal Night Sky Objects
Presenter: Mary Turner, PhD and TAAA’s appointed Chief Observer.
Main Presentation – 7:30 pm
Satellite Galaxies and Dwarfs in the Local Group
Presenter: Ekta Patel is a third year graduate student in UA’s Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory.

Catalina State Park Star Party
2017-04-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Catalina, AZ, United States
Star Party-Catalina State Park
Tucson, AZ
Setup: 6:30 PM
Observing: 7 – 10 PM
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 also have a talk about what is up in the night sky and how it relates to ancient times.

SARSEF Future Innovators Night @ Tucson Convention Center
2017-03-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85701, United States
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have a couple telescopes set up in the west parking lot B (near the entrance ticket shack) for participants to view astronomical objects before entering or after exiting the TCC. We will be observing from 6 – 8 PM.
