Southern Maine Astronomers

About Us

Southern Maine Astronomers, SMA, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization, dedicated to public outreach and education in the science of astronomy.  SMA is also a community of interested professional and amateur astronomers, exchanging ideas and information at meetings, through Google Groups and the Night Sky Network. As a member of the International Dark Sky Association and Dark Sky Maine, SMA is actively involved in fighting light pollution and preserving our dark Maine skies.

Club members of SMA provide advanced astronomical equipment and mentorship to members, students and the general public interested in astronomy.  We also plan for star parties where naked eye, binocular and telescopic viewing take place with the support of trained volunteers.  SMA’s monthly meetings feature occasional lectures by experts in astronomy, "what's up" this month, discussions among members and member presentations.

SMA has partnered with "Cornerstones of Science" and the Library Telescope Program, originally with scope modifications and training and support to staff of participating libraries.  With Cornerstones no longer offering the program we support maintenance of the telescopes in local libraries and assist library staff.

SMA meets at 7PM, the first Thursday of the month, via Zoom.  At some point we may resume in-person  meetings at the Southworth Planetarium, USM Campus, Falmouth Street, Portland, ME, but for now Zoom has worked well.  Please check the club website for any updates to club meeting location.  Come join us!  
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SMA Clear Sky Chart for Cumberland, ME

Club Contact Info

Southern Maine Astronomers
Rob Burgess, President
179 Neptune Drive, Suite 300
Brunswick ME 04011
Phone: 207-751-4651
Contact This Club

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 8/23/2025
7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern 		Star Party with Cumberland Public Library & Ice Cream Social 266 Main St, Cumberland, ME 04021
266 Main St. Cumberland, ME
Sat 9/20/2025
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern 		Star Party with South Portland Land Trust, Bug Light Park, South Portland, ME 04106
Bug Light Park, South Portland, ME 04106 South Portland, ME
Fri 10/24/2025
5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern 		Star Party with Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Mitchell Field, Harpswell, ME
1410 Harpswell Neck Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079 Harpswell, ME
Sat 11/15/2025
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern 		SMA Star Party Kettle Cove State Park, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Kettle Cove Rd. Cape Elizabeth, ME