March 29
@
7:15 pm
–
9:00 pm
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 from 7:15pm to 9pm at the far north end of the parking lot. (Stay to the left all the way to the end).
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 13
@
6:30 pm
–
8:00 pm
I was reminded that the Lunar Eclipse is on the same day as this months AFSIG meeting.
In an optimistic outlook for the weather, I will be canceling this months meeting.
March 7
@
7:30 pm
–
9:00 pm
Main Presentation at 7:30 PM
Following the lecture, the 21” Raymond E White, Jr Telescope will be open, weather permitting.
Title: THE ACCELERATING EXPANDING UNIVERSE: DARK MATTER, DARK ENERGY, AND EINSTEIN’S COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
Dark energy is the leading candidate for the mechanism that is responsible for causing the cosmological expansion to accelerate. In this non-technical talk, Professor Bharat Ratra will describe the astronomical data which persuade cosmologists that (as yet undetected) dark energy and dark matter are by far the main components of the universe’s current energy budget. He will review how these observations have led to the development of a quantitative “standard” model of cosmology that describes the evolution of the universe from an early epoch of inflation to the complex hierarchy of structure seen today. Professor Ratra will also discuss the basic physics, and the history of ideas, on which this model is based.
Biography:
Bharat Ratra, distinguished professor of physics at Kansas State University, earned his Master of Science at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and his doctorate at Stanford University. In 1988, Ratra and Jim Peebles proposed the first dynamical dark energy model. Ratra joined Kansas State University in 1996. He is best known for his work on dynamical dark energy and on the quantum-mechanical generation of energy density and magnetic field fluctuations during inflation. Recipient of many awards, his most recent is the American Physical Society’s 2025 Julius Edgar Lilenfeld Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to physics and exceptional skills in lecturing to diverse audiences.
Mae Smith, TAAA President
March 30
@
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, no reservations required. 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.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 28
@
7:30 pm
–
9:30 pm
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.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 21
@
7:30 pm
–
9:30 pm
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 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, check back here prior to event for possible updates on day of event.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 7
@
7:00 pm
–
9:00 pm
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
Event is FREE but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to this link to register: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
These events may fill up early.
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 1
@
7:00 pm
–
9:00 pm
Star Party – Saguaro National Park – East
3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, 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, no registration required, 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
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
March 1
@
7:00 pm
–
9:00 pm
Join us at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for an evening of stargazing under extremely dark skies at a historic location. Few locations in the U.S. have skies this dark!
TAAA will have volunteer astronomers with Telescopes setup and viewing Planets,
Nebulas, Galaxies, Star Clusters and more, under the dark skies of Southern Arizona!
Star Party is free but national park admission 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/events
Bernie Stinger
612-396-8839
astronomy-events@tucsonastronomy.org
