Free stargazing events - Greater Seattle on the Cheap

We regularly publishing stargazing events for the Puget Sound region when observatories and clubs host stargazing events. Unfortunately, all in-person stargazing events have been cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, should you wish to continue your interest in astronomy, below we’re listing virtual events as well as some of the major celestial events coming up soon.

Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It’s an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. It’s an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group “star party”.

A star party is a great time to learn and see things for the first time or for the thousandth time. At a star party, you not only share great views of the sky, you have the opportunity to make new friends and learn more about astronomy.

Below we list some information about star parties throughout the Puget Sound region. Most are outdoors, but some have contingency plans for an indoor presentation. You know, just in case it’s cloudy or raining….

We also provide information about attending star parties, what to bring, plus some do’s and don’ts.

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Mother and daughter stargazing with a telescope – DepositPhotos.com

Stargazing events in 2021

Free telescope livestream via South Carolina

Weather permitting, the Midlands Astronomy Club in Columbia, SC will offer a free telescope live stream every month, open to non-members via Facebook Live. More info: https://www.facebook.com/MidlandsAstronomyClub/events/. Upcoming dates:

SAT, JAN 23 AT 4 PM PT
SAT, FEB 20 AT 4 PM PT
SAT, MAR 20 AT 4 PM PT
SAT, APR 24 AT 4 PM PT
SAT, MAY 15 AT 5 PM PT
SAT, JUN 19 AT 5 PM PT

Celestial Events for February 2021

February 11: Venus-Jupiter conjunction. Get up early to see a close encounter between two of the brightest planets in our skies: Venus and Jupiter. As an added bonus, the planet Saturn will be drifting to the pair’s upper right. Look toward the southeast horizon about 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise, which occurs at 7:53am.
February 11 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 19:08 UTC (11:08 AM PT). This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
February 27 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 08:19 UTC (12:19 AM PT). This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon has also been known by some tribes as the Hunger Moon, since the harsh weather made hunting difficult.

For more information on any of these events, visit the Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events at Sea and Sky, National Geographic: 10 spectacular stargazing events to watch in 2021, and Skywatching tips from NASA.

Celestial Events for March 2021

March 6 – Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 27.3 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
March 13 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 10:23 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
March 20 – March Equinox. The March equinox occurs at 09:27 UTC (2:27 AM PDT). The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.
March 28 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 18:49 UTC (11:49 AM PDT). This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Worm Moon because this was the time of year when the ground would begin to soften and the earthworms would reappear. This moon has also been known as the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon.

To find more stargazing events, visit: https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/clubs-and-events.cfm.

What to bring to an outdoor stargazing event

If you have a telescope or binoculars you want to share, bring it along.

If you don’t have any stargazing equipment, group star parties typically have several different telescopes or binoculars brought by people attending who are happy to share. If you are thinking about getting a telescope, it can be a great opportunity to try and compare equipment and ask questions about cost and features.

Even in summer, it can get chilly at night and you will be standing most of the time. So, dress in layers warmer than you think you might need and wear comfortable shoes. Bring a thermos with something warm to drink (such as coffee, tea, or hot cider), plus a snack if you think you might need some extra energy.

Bring a red flashlight. Red light has almost no effect on our night vision. If you don’t have a red flashlight, put red cellophane over a white lens with a rubber band, or paint the lens in red nail polish, or cut a circular piece out of a red plastic report binder and place it under the lens.

You can stargaze using a pair of binoculars, away from city lights to see more of the night sky – DepositPhotos.com

Stargazing do’s and don’ts

Arrive before dark to orient and introduce yourself. Check the weather report and plan to arrive no later than sunset, or up to 30 minutes prior.

If you come to a star party without a telescope, leave the parking spots closest to the observing site for those with heavy equipment to carry.

After dark, be especially careful around the telescopes: don’t move or turnaround quickly. There are cables connecting equipment that are easy to trip over in the dark. And remember to not use any white light, only red light (see “what to bring” above).

Do not use white flashlights anytime during a star party. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to get dark-adapted and only a second or two of white light to make you start over again.

Do not touch the glass eyepiece of a telescope or binoculars.

Do not talk loud or be rowdy. Star-gazing is a quiet, peaceful activity.

Do not litter…pack it in, pack it out!

Do ask questions of other more experienced attendees. Stargazers love to talk about their hobby and are usually happy to answer questions.

Free stargazing events in Seattle-Tacoma

The following groups and organizations regularly hold free public stargazing events throughout the region. In 2020,we’ve added virtual events.

Stargazing in public parks around King County

Seattle Astronomical Society (SAS) organizes monthly star parties in area parks. These outdoor stargazing events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. A typical star party gathering features observing through two or more different types of telescopes provided by SAS members, along with the opportunity to ask questions, discuss the observation process, and learn about astronomical topics. Weather cancels the event; last minute updates are available on their website.

To enhance your experience, you may want to download and print your own copy of the current Evening Sky Map at http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html. This 2-page guide contains a detailed sky map, the current monthly sky calendar, and a descriptive list of the best objects to see with binoculars, a telescope, or using just your eyes. It is suitable for all stargazers including newcomers to astronomy. And, unlike other star charts on the Web, The Evening Sky Map will print clearly on any printer.

See the list below for the Upcoming Astronomy and Stargazing Events, or visit: http://www.seattleastro.org/news_and_events/star_parties

Stargazing at UW Seattle Theodor Jacobsen Observatory

A dedicated group of SAS volunteers offer twice-monthly programs April through October at the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory (TJO) on the University of Washington Seattle campus. The program includes a short presentation by SAS members and/or UW undergrads, history of the observatory and its beautiful telescope (over 100 years old), and if the weather permits, the dome is opened for views through the telescope.

2020 update: open houses at the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory are suspended until all classes are being held in their regular classrooms and undergraduate volunteers are back on campus

See the list below for the Upcoming Astronomy and Stargazing Events, or visit: http://depts.washington.edu/astron/outreach/jacobsen-observatory/#a2

Stargazing in Tacoma

Tacoma Astronomical Society (TAS) hosts free public viewing sessions each month at Pierce College near Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood (about 10 miles south of Tacoma). There is no charge for stargazing and observing the night sky through TAS telescopes. However, donations are gladly accepted. The donations are used to further public education and outreach programs.

On nights with clear skies TAS volunteers provide telescopic observations of the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars and more. Each season boasts something new and exciting for frequent guests.
On cloudy nights, indoor lectures, demonstrations and workshops will be available at public events regardless of the weather.

See the list below for the Upcoming Astronomy and Stargazing Events, or visit: http://www.tas-online.org/public.php or http://www.tas-online.org/calendar.php