Upcoming Events
2 January 2025
Professional Development Opportunities
13 January 2025 — New Data-Driven Classroom Investigations from Rubin Observatory
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
Description: This in-person workshop will be offered as a Splinter Meeting at the 245th American Astronomical Society Meeting. There is no charge to attend this workshop and advance registration is not necessary.
Rubin Observatory’s Education and Public Outreach team has released two new classroom-tested online investigations: Exploding Stars and Stellar Safari. They are designed to teach students about supernovae and stellar evolution through interactive data analysis. These investigations are best suited to novice learners from advanced middle school through the introductory college level (Astro 101) classes and are two of seven free, classroom-ready lessons. The accompanying workshop fosters a supportive environment to enhance teaching practices, encourage reflection, and promote open discourse. Read the full description here.
25 January 2025 — Project-Based Learning: Mars Unit Teacher PD
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kitt Peak National Observatory
Description: Join us for a professional development session at Kitt Peak National Observatory, in partnership with SARSEF on Saturday 25 January 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Educators of grades 4–8 will explore an engaging Mars curriculum designed to enhance engineering skills and foster student-led scientific inquiry. This workshop will provide educators with the opportunity to tour a cutting-edge observatory and develop innovative strategies to bring astronomy into their classrooms. Materials and lunch will be provided. Certificates of Participation will be provided. The cost is $15. Register here.
Community Events
Arizona
17 January 2025, Saguaro National Park Star Party
Location: Red Hills Visitor Center, Tucson, AZ 85743
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. MST
Description: Join us as we celebrate Saguaro National Park's designation as an Urban Night Sky Place. From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., introductions and presentations will be given by Saguaro National Park staff, Dark Sky International, and guest speakers from Kitt Peak National Observatory in the theater room at the Red Hills Visitor Center.
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., gaze at the stars through telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, KPNO, and Saguaro National Park. Participate in ranger-led walks through the Javelina Wash to explore the vital role of nighttime for plants and animals in Saguaro National Park.
1 February 2025, Tohono O’odham Rodeo
Location: Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex, Sells, AZ
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST
Description: Join NOIRLab as we celebrate the 86th Annual Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair. Please visit the event website for more information.
Chile
17 January 2025, University of La Serena Stargazing
Location: Campus Andrés Bello, Universidad de La Serena
Time: 8:00 p.m. CLT
Description: Families and the public are invited to join a star party to learn about the importance of dark sky protection. There will be good live music and fun stargazing with telescopes.
Hawai‘i
1 February 2025, ‘Ohana Stargazing
Location: Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens
Time: Saturday 1 February 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. HST
Description: Kick off the 21st annual Journey Through the Universe week in Hilo, Hawaiʻi with stargazing at Liliʻuokalani Gardens! In partnership with ʻOhana Kilo Hōkū, Gemini/NOIRLab and other Maunakea Observatories will host a night of stargazing and storytelling for the whole ʻohana to enjoy.
Visit Us!
We welcome you to visit NSF NOIRLab’s state-of-the-art facilities in the U.S. and Chile to explore firsthand the locations of modern astronomical discovery. We offer regularly scheduled tours of both our summit and base locations for public visits. Whether touring the powerful telescopes or learning about the latest discoveries at our base facilities, NSF NOIRLab offers an unforgettable experience for anyone curious about the cosmos! Book your tour today or learn more here.
Can’t make it to one of our facilities? Check out our virtual tours!