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.
Stellafane Convention
July 29, 2027 - August 1, 2027
A VERY SPECIAL PLACE - “Stellafane” means Shrine to the Stars. Time has also made it a shrine to the history of American astronomy. People who come here feel a rare connection to that history, and to each other in our common astronomical pursuit. Longstanding friendships are nurtured here. Many folks return year after year to see friends they encounter nowhere else!
TALKS AND DEMOS - The Stellafane Convention is a wonderful opportunity to learn about astronomy and telescope making from talented amateurs and professionals who generously share their expertise. We present a broad range of talks and demonstrations from beginner to advanced (for children as well as adults), on all phases of telescope making and observing.
COMPETITION - To many, the telescope competition is the heart and soul of The Stellafane Convention. Expert optical and mechanical judges pick the best amateur-built telescopes in several categories, from basic small Newtonians to more esoteric compound telescopes. Special awards are also made for design innovations. Winning at Stellafane is a real honor. Quite aside from awards, the competition is a rare chance for amateurs to compare notes, for prospective telescope makers to examine the designs of others before undertaking such a project, and for all to enjoy the ingenuity of these talented instrument builders.
OBSERVING - The dark skies of rural Vermont provide fine observing conditions. All are encouraged to bring and use their telescopes, home-built or commercial.
