Public Stargazing Schedule
The public is invited to join the MVAS for stargazing at various locations around the Mohawk Valley and at our Barton-Brown Observatory (BBO). MVAS members will set up their telescopes and encourage you to view the many wonders of the universe through them. (Driving Directions) They will gladly answer your questions, explain what you have seen and point out where the objects are in the sky. If you have access to a pair of binoculars, bring them along and we'll help you locate objects yourself. No matter what the season or forecast, dress warmer than you think is necessary; you won't be sorry. You may want to bring along mosquito repellant during the summer months. Weather conditions may cause cancellations, which will be noted below.
If your group is interested in scheduling a stargazing event, please contact the webmaster using our "Contact Us" Page.
2023 Public Stargazing Schedule
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 Cancelled | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Feb 11 | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Mar 25 Cancelled | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. | 7:30-11:00pm |
| Apr 22 Cancelled | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. | 8:00-11:15pm |
| May 20 Cancelled | Stargazing, New Hartford Sherrill Brook Park, Rte 12 S, New Hartford. Our night time telescopes will be set up on the northwest corner of the main parking lot to observe the awesome night sky. | 8:45-12:00am |
| Jun 10 | Stargazing at Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Lake Delta State Park, 8797 NY Route 46, Rome, NY. 13440 Parking lot 2, right of the main parking lot. Our telescopes will probably be located inside the walking oval. | 9:00-11:00pm |
| Jun 22 | Summer Solstice Celebration, Barton-Brown Observatory, 206 White St, Waterville, NY Followed by public stargazing in the Barton-Brown Observatory located behind the library building. Bring a lawn chair if you like. | 7:00-11:00pm |
| Jul 15 | Program and Stargazing sponsored by the Prospect Library, Trenton Municipal Building, 8520 Old Poland Road, Barneveld, NY 13438. (Next to the firehouse just off Route 12) Program begins at 8:30 pm: "Robots on Mars: NASA's Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter," presented by Carol Higgins, NASA Solar System Ambassador and MVAS member. Laser guided tours of the sky and stargazing will follow, weather permitting, until midnight. | 8:30-12:00am |
| Aug 19 | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. | 8:30-11:00pm |
| Sep 16 | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory | 8:00-11:00pm |
| Sep 30 | Solar Observing, Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, NY. Solar telescopes will be set up on the field between the gym and Wehrum Stadium opposite Reservoir Run housing complex. Safely observe our "Star", the Sun, through special solar telescopes two weeks before a partial eclipse of the Sun. | 12:00-4:00pm |
| Oct 14 | Partial Solar Eclipse, Waterville, Barton-Brown Observatory Learn how to view a partial eclipse with solar glasses and through a special solar telescope. If weather is unfavorable, it will be live streamed to the Waterville Public Library's community room. | 12:00-2:30pm |
| Oct 14 Cancelled | Partial Solar Eclipse, Herkimer, Frank J Basloe Library, 242 Main St, Herkimer, NY. View the partial eclipse of the Sun through solar glasses, solar filters, and special solar telescopes. | 12:00-2:30pm |
| Oct 21 Cancelled | International Observe the Moon Night & Stargazing, New Hartford's Sherrill Brook Park, Rte 12 S, New Hartford, NY International Observe the Moon Night: Our telescopes will be set up on the northwest corner of the main parking lot to observe the Moon, awesome night sky, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. weather permitting. | 7:30-11:00pm |
| Nov 4 Cancelled | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune will grace the fall sky along with star clusters, galaxies, etc. | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Dec 2 Cancelled | Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune will grace the fall sky along with star clusters, galaxies, etc. | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Mar 30 | Solar Eclipse 2024, Prospect Free Library, 116 State St., Prospect, NY. This public talk starting at 1:00 PM will explain the upcoming April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse, what to expect, and how to enjoy it. | 1:00-2:00pm |
| Jul 27 | Program and Stargazing sponsored by the Prospect Library, Trenton Municipal Building, 8520 Old Poland Road, Barneveld, NY 13438. (Next to the firehouse just off Route 12) Program begins at 8:30 pm: TBA. Laser guided tours of the sky and stargazing will follow, weather permitting, until midnight. | 8:30-12:00am |
| Sep 28 | Solar Observing, Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, NY. Solar telescopes will be set up on the quad between the library, Tech Center and athletic center. Safely observe our "Star", the Sun, through special solar telescopes two weeks before a partial eclipse of the Sun. | 12:00-4:00pm |
Directions to stargazing locations