If you are planning to visit a TAS public observing event, what can you expect? Volunteers will have their personal astronomy equipment operational so that you can look through telescopes to observe either a solar system object (e.g. moon, planet, or a comet)or a deep sky object (e.g. star cluster, galaxy, or nebula). Some volunteers will have laser pointers and will point out constellations and significant objects that are visible naked eye.

Seeing deep sky and solar system objects is just one of the benefits of a public observing event. People who are shopping for a telescope can gain a lot of knowledge by looking through the various types of telescopes present at the events, and from asking the telescope owners questions about their astronomy equipment.

These events are free, open to the public, and family friendly. Sometimes parents think the events are just for kids, but parents get just as much, if not more, out of the observing. These events are great learning experiences for people of all ages.

How much you can see is contingent on weather conditions. Mostly cloudy skies can sometimes cause a star party to be canceled or to end early. If questionable weather is evident, call the number below or check this website for cancellation information.

To find out if an event is canceled, call the Public Observing Phone Number: 214-800-6000