Sun City Oro Valley Astronomy Club

About Us

The Sun City Oro Valley Astronomy Club is a chartered club of Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona. Membership in our club is open to all residents of Sun City Oro Valley as well as a limited number of outside participants. We are located in the town of Oro Valley, a suburb of Tucson, Arizona. Club meetings feature prominent guest speakers from renowned local astronomy organizations. Our regular Star Parties often feature professional astronomers from the Tucson community to lead our events. These include instruction in identifying constellations, stars and other celestial objects of interest.

Since 2013, our club has had a very active partnership with Coronado K-8 School in Catalina, AZ. Club members volunteer to co-teach 5th and 7th grade students key concepts of astronomy, such as phases of the moon and elements of the solar system In addition, the club uses the Arizona Tax Credit program to provide funds toward the purchase of telescopes for all 5th grade students and the University of Arizona Astronomy Summer Camp scholarships for 7th grade students.To date, nearly 1,100 telescopes have been distributed to 5th grade students and over 30 summer camp scholarships for 7th graders. Several of these students have expressed that attending summer camp on Mt Lemmon was a turning point in their career decision-making process. Learn more about this program on our website.

Several Club members are involved in astrophotography, and share their photos on our website.

The Sun City Astronomy Club supports the adopted policies of Sun City Oro Valley which require all exterior lighting to Pima County and Town of Oro Valley Outdoor Lighting Codes. The purpose of these codes is to minimize Light pollution, preserve the relationship of the residents to their unique desert environment through protection of access to the dark night sky, and to support astronomical activity. More information can be found at DarkSky International, headquartered in Tucson.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thu 11/21/2024

7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Mountain

Archeoastronomy: The Night Sky and Ancient People Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona
1565A E Rancho Vistoso Blvd Oro Valley, AZ

Thu 12/19/2024

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mountain

Europa Clipper Mission: Probing Jupiter's Ocean Moon Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona
1565A E Rancho Vistoso Blvd Oro Valley, AZ

Mon 1/13/2025

5:30 p.m. Mountain

Star Party - Jan 13, 2025 The Views Golf Cart Parking Lot - behind Restaurant
1555 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd Oro Valley, AZ

Thu 1/16/2025

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Mountain

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona
1565A E Rancho Vistoso Blvd Oro Valley, AZ