UNH Observatory

The cloud cover forecast tonight is looking so-so for observing. We are shifting our regularly scheduled Star Party tonight into a Telescope Clinic! If you have a telescope that is new to you, that you don't know how to use, or that needs some love, bring it with and stop by the UNH Observatory from ~8:30-10 pm. We'll help out as best as we can. If we do catch a few clear patches, we'll still look at stuff, but we are not too hopeful on that front, unfortunately.

I want to share a special opportunity for you and your family to explore the amazing world of Astronomy. Over the last several years, UNH Cooperative Extension has been supporting the UNH Observatory and our outreach programs both here on the Durham campus and across the entire state. New Hampshire 4-H is a part of UNH Cooperative Extension. We have been developing some unique programs to give youth and families a chance to explore all things SPACE.
On Friday, June 19 at 7:30 PM at the UNH Observatory on the Durham campus (16 Spinney Lane, Durham) we'll be hosting the 4-H Starlight Challenge Star Party. This event will be a chance for any of our Starlight Challenge participants to complete their challenges as well as to get started on our newest 4-H AstroChallenge, the Moonlight Challenge. This will be a great opportunity to learn about what kind of Astronomy related activities and events New Hampshire 4-H and the UNH Observatory are offering. Use the link on the attached image to reach our 4-H Astronomy web page. You have to type in the link address.

Take a look and join us next Friday, June 19. Note that this is a weather dependent event, so let's all hope for clear skies!

Save the date for the 2026 New England Fall Astronomy Festival (NEFAF)! Yes! It's official--NEFAF 2026 is a GO! Mark your calendars now. The Festival is free but here's a link to help support the UNH Observatory: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/34914/donations/new?designation=observatoryfund

It's looking cloudy and rainy this evening in Durham, so our Star Party tonight is canceled, unfortunately. Our next Star Party is scheduled for June 20th, from 9-11 pm. As always, we hope for better weather then!

The Star Party is on for tonight from 9-11 pm! Stop by for a view of Jupiter, the constellations, and star clusters! Free to attend and a great family outing!

The next scheduled Star Party is on June 6th, from 9-11 pm!

It looks like we have another cloudy Saturday evening, so we unfortunately have to cancel the regularly-scheduled Star Party this evening. Our next Star Party is May 16th, from 9-11 pm!

Thanks for the idea for a pop-up Star Party! Last night had a great turn-out and went great! It was good to see you all again!

The New England Fall Astronomy Festival Save The Date Announcement! Help the UNH Observatory prepare for NEFAF 2026 follow this link to donate to the UNH Observatory: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/34914/donations/new?designation=observatoryfund

We are doing a pop-up Star Party tonight from 8:30-10:30 pm! Please join us under some clear skies to look at Jupiter, star clusters, and constellations!

The clouds are rolling in over Durham tonight. The star party scheduled tonight is unfortunately canceled as a result. Our next star party is May 2nd from 9-11 pm.

As an aside, I think this is the longest streak of poor weather on Star Party dates. It's a very unfortunate record!

Here's your chance to help us keep the New England Fall Astronomy Festival going. Follow the link below to contribute directly to the Festival:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/34914/donations/new?designation=newenglandfallastronomyfestival&