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General Astronomy

Holiday Stargazing at Our Dark Site

Group hosted at the TSA dark site in Pearce, Arizona

Our staff hosts stargazing events on regular schedules and when possible on demand for dates of your choice.

We offer several stargazing options for any occasion to include events at our premiere dark site 100 miles southeast of Tucson, AZ called the Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (CAC). Attendees are responsible for their transportation to CAC. Events typically start 1/2 hour after sunset and are weather dependent. See below for a description of events and a link to the reservation request form. Typically we do not want to observe when the Moon is between First Quarter and within a few days after Full since the light from the Moon will hinder our ability to view deep sky objects. You can get Sun and Moon times for Tucson at: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/tucson

———– Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (CAC) ————-

Scheduled Stargazing at CAC. A 2-hour observing session through one or several of our large telescopes. The number of telescopes will depend on how many participants are scheduled. Cost is $50/adult and $25/Child under 15. Specify number of adults and children. Cost is refundable if cancelled at least one-week before the event or if weather becomes an issue as evaluated by TAAA.

Upcoming Schedule, input date when reserving (times are Arizona or MST):

HOLIDAY OBSERVING: Monday December 23, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm. Use the below form and input December 23, 2024 as the date. We will send you an invoice to your email address to pay. Fully refundable if you cancel at least 1 week in advance or if we have weather issues the day of the event. Any questions, email stargazing[at]tucsonastronomy.org.

Family or Corporate Event at CAC. A 2-hour observing session through one or several of our large telescopes on a date of your choosing. Upgrade to our Galaxy level to observe some incredible views through our largest telescope with a 40-inch diameter mirror. Ideally the event should be scheduled on a date with a minimal Moon in the evening and suggested dates can be provided when requesting a reservation. Price provided upon request. Cost will be provided when the reservation is made.

Information and Reservation Request

To make a reservation or request availability / price quote, please submit the form below.

Tucson Stargazing Adventures - CAC Events

Tucson Stargazing Adventures - CAC Events

Request form for CAC Stargazing (paid) events.

( * = Required Field )

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Join Us!

TAAA Classes

Classes available to all TAAA members.

Training AT CAC – The TAAA Eastern Dark Site

Telescope Training for the portfolio of CAC Telescopes from its 9.25″ to 40″telescopes – GENERAL INFORMATION ATTACHED

Training AT TIMPA – The TAAA Western Dark Site

Constellation Locating

Starhopping

Sketching

Using Setting Circles

Astronomical League Workshop

Fundamentals of Astronomy Class open for enrollment

Place: Armory Park Center, 220 S. 5th Ave, Tucson

Date: 3 consecutive Saturdays: January 11th, 18th, 25th 2025

Time: 9 AM until 4 PM each day

Synopsis: This class covers all the basic topics in Amateur Astronomy. The course is designed for anyone interested in learning the basic concepts in Amateur Astronomy. Topics covered (but not limited to) include the solar system, deep sky objects, stars, telescopes, eyepieces, mounts, star hopping, observation techniques, plus much more. This course is highly recommended for novice amateur astronomers and for anyone who may have just purchased a telescope for the first time. Taking this class will also aide the student in understanding the more advanced lectures often given during general membership meetings.

If interested, you can contact the instructor at the information listed below or sign up using the signup sheet that will be available at all General Members meeting or reserve your spot on the website following the Class Registration link (below). Enrollment is strictly limited to 20 students and is on a first come basis. If there is sufficient interest the class may be offered again in the Fall/Winter 2024 time frame.

Class Registration

Instructor – Douglas Smith

Phone: 520-396-3233 e-mail: alcor(at)tucsonastronomy.org or fundamentals(at)tucsonastronomy.org

Special Event!

ASTRONOMY CAMP

The mission of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Assn (TAAA) includes providing opportunities for the community to learn about and share the joy and excitement of astronomy. In keeping with that mission the TAAA makes its facility in Cochise County available to explore the night skies with the help of TAAA volunteers, at no charge to qualified educational groups.

Through the TAAA Astronomy Camp program, TAAA provides an outstanding opportunity for students to be inspired by of the pristine skies of Southern Arizona. The programs include hands on use of telescopes for observing and imaging at our very dark site. Students can take advantage of the Chiricahua Astronomy Complex using a variety of TAAA and volunteer owned equipment.

The Chiricahua Astronomy Complex in Cochise County’s Pearce, AZ.

Groups provide their own transportation to the site, arrange for parent hosts, and are responsible for brining and preparing food.

TAAA provides the site, with up to 7 observatories including visual and imaging telescopes, a classroom, kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, grills, restrooms and sleeping rooms for students and hosts. TAAA also provides knowledgeable guides to the night sky to facilitate either the group’s evening program or various programs TAAA can organize for the group. The TAAA organization works closely with its participating groups to ensure an enriching and rewarding experience at the site, while operating within the rules of safely working with minors.

TAAA recently expanded its site to include new amenities for hosting students. The completed facilities, with rooms to sleep 17 students and teachers, space for classroom activities, access to the club’s 7 telescopes including 4 on the Stinger Learning Pad.  With this infrastructure in place TAAA has the capability of taking its former school observing night program to a new level of support and hands on involvement by students under the clear CAC skies. 

The Camps can be a single evening of viewing or a one or two night’s programs, with daytime study with potential side trips to enjoy the natural environment in and around the Chiricahua National Monument.

The Astronomy Camp program is available during the peak sky viewing seasons of the Fall, Winter and Spring. Activities include planning evening observations based on the objects available in that season’s night sky, selecting the appropriate equipment to observe the objects, instrument training leading to hands on use of telescopes and imaging equipment, and capturing celestial images for further study.

Three of the telescopes available during the Astronomy Camp.

TAAA stands ready to tailor a program for any qualified group, with a focus on high school and college students. The site is reserved certain days of the month for strictly member use, and for other community events, but the calendar is otherwise flexible to respond to hosting interested groups. To discuss the possibility of your group participating in the dark sky experience of the Astronomy Camp, or exploring the programs in greater dept, contact us at AstronomyCampDirector@tucsonastronomy.org for further details.

Milky Way rising over the TAAA Learning Center Stinger Telescope Pad.
Join Us!

Member Benefits

 JOIN TAAA

What we have to Offer:

Monthly Member Meetings

The first Friday of each month the members of TAAA meet at the auditorium of the Steward Observatory on the campus of the University of Arizona. We have wide range of programs during the year. We have presentations from members and member groups, seasonal observing tips, and monthly planet reports. Being at the center of the nation’s astronomy industry, and in proximity of so much astronomy talent, TAAA host speakers from all over the discipline often to share cutting edge work in the field.

Volunteering

TAAA offers opportunities for its members to become active contributors to STEM education. We actively offer education to our own members and encourage those members to inspire students and the community by sharing their knowledge of the sky during events we host throughout the year.

Special Interest Groups

Sub-groups formed to study areas of special interest.

Astronomy Fundamentals

afsig-logo

Holds monthly meetings on topics of interest to the budding astronomer and the seasoned veteran. This multifunctional group presents a basic astronomy course; sponsors workshops and guided observing programs.

Starry Messenger

Starry Messenger Banner

This multi-faceted group reaches out to the public in many ways to share the awesomeness of our universe.

Astronomical Imaging

Members meet monthly to share their images and discuss astro imaging, hardware & software, and the issues that may arise.

Dark Sites

Access to each of our two dark sites – one to the west of the Tucson Mountains and one south-southeast of Tucson in Pearce, AZ – available to members and their guests.

TIMPA
CAC

Equipment Lending Program

We have telescopes and accessories that members can borrow. This allows members to use telescopes at the dark sites, or to test the various equipment types before buying.  The available TELESCOPES link.

TAAA Forum

Participate in the discussion forum to share topical issues in the Astronomy world.  Members share observations, astronomy related stories,  astro-photos, and ideas on equipment.

Affiliation with National Organizations

Opportunity to meet and associate with astronomy professionals and share your astronomy knowledge with others.

Members Bulletin

Members receive a monthly Desert Skies Bulletin, listing current activities and astronomy related articles of interest. Log into Member Planet (through Members Only Portal) to view the latest Bulletin. Members will also receive an email link for each new Bulletin.

Bulletin (Monthly) – Monthly Bulletins – historic list

Member Apparel – with TAAA Logo

Members have access to apparel from shirts to hats, shorts to active wear all sporting the TAAA logo in the Apparel Catalog.

Magazine Discounts

Periodically, Members will get club discount on Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazine subscriptions.

magazines

Access to Club Library

Our club library contains many books and CD’s that are available to our members. [Read More]

Specialty Workshops

Guided projects to build astronomy equipment. Our current projects include building white light solar filters and lamps which help preserve night vision.  The upcoming Classes are listed at this LINK.

Guided Observing Programs

Include observing constellations, the sun, the moon, our solar system, and double stars. We even have a family observing program.

Link to your Website

We will provide a link from our website to yours.

Now that you have seen what we are about, you might want to consider joining with us. If you join with us, you will receive a New Member Packet which includes the following:

  • Welcome Letter
  • TAAA Privacy Policy
  • Star party Etiquette
  • Getting Started in Astronomy
  • Astronomy for Beginners
  • TAAA Lending Programs
  • Helpful Astronomy Product Reviews

Invitations to member social events

TAAA holds social events at the end of each in person member meeting, at our dark sites during the year, and a celebratory year end Holiday Party where you can mingle with like minded, curious members.

…and we provide mentoring where needed.

JOIN TAAA
Where You'll Find Us

Services We Provide

Community Star Parties

Public Star Parties – Star Parties open to the public

  • Catalina State Park
  • Oracle State Park
  • Parks and Recreation

Member Star Parties – Star Parties for members and invited guests

Tucson Stargazing Adventures

[ See Details ]

  • Special Occasions
  • Conventions
  • Resorts

Astronomy Extravaganzas

  • Astronomy Festival
  • Grand Canyon Star Party

Other Non-Star Party Events

  • Tucson Festival of Books

Mentoring Youth/Adults

  • Boy Scouts
  • Boys/Girls Clubs
  • Star Party Volunteers
  • How to observe – Observing Clubs
  • Astronomy CAMP for teens

Tools We Use

  • Knowledgeable Volunteers
  • Excellent Educational Materials
  • NSN Tool Kits
  • Quality Equipment – Binoculars, Telescopes and Accessories
What We're About

About TAAA

Our Purpose

The Association shall be an educational, service, scientific, and technical organization devoted to the study of, and promotion of interest in, Astronomy and its related allied sciences.

We are a friendly group of individuals like you with a common interest in astronomy.

Special Interest Groups

Sub-groups formed to study areas of special interest:

Astronomy Fundamentals

afsig-logoHolds monthly meetings on topics of interest to the budding astronomer as well as the seasoned veteran. This multifunctional group presents a basic astronomy course; sponsors workshops and guided observing programs.

Starry Messenger

Starry Messenger Banner

This multi-faceted group reaches out to the public in many ways to share the awesomeness of our universe.

Astronomical Imaging

Members meet monthly to share their images and discuss astro imaging, hardware & software and the issues that may arise.

TAAA Publications

Monthly Bulletin: Members receive a monthly bulletin listing the events of the following month. The current Bulletin is available only to members.

Desert Skies Newsletter: A journal published quarterly that includes articles of interest on various astronomy topics.

What We Provide to Members:

The opportunity to learn and understand the magnificence and grandeur of the universe There are various services and programs available only to our members . Join us!

What We Provide to Tucson:

Brief glimpses of the awesomeness of the universe and the opportunity to enjoy the allure and elegance of the night sky through star parties and hands on activities. You’re invited!

A Brief History of TAAA

Founded in 1954, we quickly grew to a group of 50 people known as the Tucson Amateur Astronomers (TAA). Activities then included tracking artificial satellites from a Moon Watch station at the U of A. The Moon Watch Program, coordinated by the Smithsonian Institution, helped the early US space-flight engineers perfect their science. Our Moon Watch station was recognized as one of the top three stations in the U.S. These activities led to a name change and we became the Tucson Astronomical and Astronautical Association (TAAA), a real tongue twister.
As the Moon Watch Program came to an end in the early 70s, our emphasis moved away from astronautics and focused on astronomy, but it wasn’t until 1978 that we became the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. [Read More About Our History]

Non-Profit Status

In 1987 we were incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization with the dedicated purpose of studying and promoting astronomy and its allied sciences.

Please help us further our goals.