Universe DVD: Astronomy Events

2009
International Year of Astronomy The United Nations named 2009 the International Year of Astronomy to mark the 400th anniversary of Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei's first observations using a telescope. The International Astronomical Union and UNESCO will jointly run the initiative with 99 nations participating. A number of major international space projects should also be underway this year.

February 21-28, 2009
Winter Star Party The Florida Keys, FL. SOLD OUT! This event draws about 600 astronomers from around the world. Hosted by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, the 25th annual star party features guest speakers, vendors, an astrophotography contest, mirror-grinding lessons, a popular "Kids Kamp", and door prizes.

April 19-26 , 2009
Texas Star Party Fort Davis, TX. The 31th Annual Texas Star Party will host over 500 astrophotographers and observers on the magnificent Prude Ranch, a 3,500 acre mile-high ranch located 12 miles from McDonald Observatory. The skies in the Davis Mountains of West Texas are the darkest found anywhere in North America. All the usual star party events plus swimming, tennis, horseback riding and hiking on the ranch and tours of local geological wonders.

May 2 , 2009
Astronomy Day Astronomy Day events take place at hundreds of sites across the United States and around the world. Activities may include talks by astronauts, astronomers and NASA personnel, Moon rocks, games, prizes, astronomical food, scale models of the solar system, space hardware, space ballets and poetry and, of course, actual outdoor observing (daytime and nighttime) with a telescope.

May 22-25, 2009
RTMC Astronomy Expo Big Bear, CA. The 41th annual RTMC Astronomy Expo features numerous speakers, workshops, observing, vendors and door prizes. The recreational campground has activities for the whole family including swimming, horseback riding, archery and hiking. Over 1,000 astronomy enthusiasts attend each year.

June 20-24, 2009
Golden State Star Party This year's Golden State Star Party will be held in Adin, California, in eastern Lassen County, one of the darkest regions of the state. California's premier star party is located on wide open ranch land with a stunning view of Mt. Shasta, spectacular 360 degree horizons, and an unpolluted night sky. Take advantage of an early registration discount.

June 17-21, 2009
Rocky Mountain Star Stare Pike National Forest, CO. Dark skies with amazing transparency draw astronomers to this star party in the Colorado Rockies, at an elevation of 8,800 feet. Nighttime viewing is supplemented with workshops, children's activities, door prizes and catered meals.

TBD 2009
Shingletown Star Party Shingletown, CA. SSP has a family atmosphere and amenities are minutes away in Shingletown. Excellent hiking and trout fishing in the area, and Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park is only 17 miles away. Guest speakers, observing, swap meet, vendors and door prizes.

August 19-23 , 2008
Oregon Star Party features quality deep sky viewing at 5,000 feet in the Ochoco National Forest, one hour from Prineville. Guest speakers, forest tours, telescope walkabout, kids activities, swap meet and door prizes.

TBD 2009
Almost Heaven Star Party Spruce Knob Mountain Center, WV. Held at the darkest site in the East, the AHSP has hot showers, meal service and internet access. There are daytime activities for the whole family, such as hiking, birding, canoeing, caving and mountain biking, in addition to an astrophotography contest, numerous guest speakers, and much more.

TBD 2009
ScopeOut 2009 Cincinnati, OH. The Cincinnati Observatory Center, the U.S.'s first public observatory, hosts the 11th annual "ScopeOut Telescope Fair". Includes viewing through the historic 1842 12" Merz & Mahler & 1904 16" Clark refracting telescopes. Lectures and presentations, astrophotography and telescope making displays, vendors, children's activities, and door prizes.

September 12-20, 2009
Okie-Tex Star Party Camp Billy Joe near Kenton, OK. At 4,973 ft. at Black Mesa, the 26th annual star party offers some of the darkest skies in the Southwest. Activities include speakers, astrophotography contest, vendors, swap meet, door prizes. Near dinosaur quarries and Indian petroglyphs.

October 14-17, 2009
Enchanted Skies Star Party Socorro, NM. A unique opportunity for observing at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Hands-on workshops and outstanding lectures by leading professional and amateur astronomers. Gather at Socorro County's Pound Ranch for a night of great food, Southwestern entertainment and excellent, dark-sky observing.

TBD 2009
Mid-Atlantic Star Party Robbins, NC. The 14th Annual Mid-Atlantic Star Party takes place at a dark sky site halfway between Washington DC and Atlanta, GA. Camping, food service, vendors, talks, workshops, children's activities and more.