Public Stargazing Schedule

The public is invited to join the MVAS for stargazing at various locations (Driving Directions) 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. They will gladly answer your questions, explain what you have seen and point out where the objects are in the sky. 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.

2026 Public Stargazing Schedule

Date	Location	Time
Mar 21	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. See Jupiter through a big research grade telescope! And the rest of the Universe beyond: stars, galaxies, star clusters, Supernova remnants, etc. Free.	7:30-11:00pm
Apr 11	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. See Jupiter through a big, research grade telescope as well as the rest of the Universe beyond: stars, star clusters, galaxies, supernova remnants and others. Free.	8:00-11:30pm
May 9	Public Stargazing, New Hartford Sherrill Brook Park, Rte 12 S, New Hartford. Our nighttime telescopes will be set up on the northwest corner of the main parking lot to observe the awesome night sky, Jupiter, star clusters, galaxies and other celestial marvels. Free.	8:45-11:45pm
Jun 6	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. See Jupiter early through a big, research grade telescope as well as the rest of the Universe beyond: stars, star clusters, galaxies, supernova remnants and other celestial wonders. Free.	9:30-12:00am
Jul 18	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory & Waterville Library. Venus can be seen early with just your eyes in the west but see the Universe beyond through our big, research grade telescope along with other deep sky objects: stars, star clusters, galaxies, supernova remnants and others. Free.	9:30-12:00am
Aug 8	Public Stargazing, Upper pavilion, Trenton Town Park, Barneveld, NY Program "TBA" starts at 8 PM. After the program, astronomers from the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) will have telescopes ready for you to observe Saturn and the summer night sky. Sponsored by the Prospect Library. Free.	8:30-12:00am
Sep 19	International Observe the Moon Night & Stargazing, New Hartford's Sherrill Brook Park, 4191 NYS Rt 12, New Hartford, NY 13413. Our telescopes will be set up on the northwest corner of the main parking lot to observe our Moon, Saturn, the awesome night sky, and other celestial objects, weather permitting. Free.	7:30-11:00pm
Sep 26	Fall Fest, Solar Observing, Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, NY. Observe our star, the Sun, up close safely with special solar devices and telescopes. Free.	12:00-4:00pm
Oct 3	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. The outer planets, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will be featured in our big, research grade telescope. Come join the fun as we look for star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and other celestial wonders. Free.	7:30-11:30pm
Nov 14	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will be featured in our big, research grade telescope. Come join the fun as we look for star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and other celestial wonders. Free.	7:00-10:00pm
Dec 5	Public Stargazing, Barton-Brown Observatory. Saturn and Neptune will be featured in our big, research grade telescope. Come join the fun as we look for star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and other celestial wonders. Free.	7:00-10:00pm