SUNSET: 
Upcoming Astronomy Events
As a service to our community, Sky & Telescope lists astronomy-related events, including star parties, observatory public nights, astronomy talks, and more. Star parties offer dark skies and astronomical fellowship and often cater to families and feature special activities for kids. Public nights give the general public a chance to view the sky through large telescopes, and public talks are a great place to learn the fundamentals of the science and the craft.
You’ll also see online events offered here.
And if you’d like free copies of Sky & Telescope’s Let’s Go Stargazing flyer or door prizes for your next star party, you can fill out this form.
2026 MIDSOUTH STARGAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE
April 15 @ 8:00 am - April 19 @ 12:00 pm EDT
Rainwater Observatory is gearing up for its annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference coming up April 15-18, 2026! This event attracts amateur and professional astronomers from around the country. It is held under one of the darkest skies in the southeastern United States and just off the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway near the village of French Camp, Mississippi.
This year we have an exciting conference lined up with fun, fellowship, sightseeing, telescope observing and imaging with fascinating presentations by professional astronomers and others such as galaxy researcher, Dr. William Keel Professor Emeritus from the University of Alabama, Jon Talbot, astrophotographer and retired Hurricane Hunter, NASA recognized retired teacher-lecturer-astrophotographer and Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.) Lunar Recorder, Dave Teske! We will also have a space art-astrophotography exhibit on display at the Welcome Center's Main Street Gallery in downtown French Camp featuring the artwork of space artist-lecturer and director of Rainwater Observatory, Edwin Faughn and amazing astrophotographers from around the country!
