check weather forecast

check clear sky chart

Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Website
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Website

Notes:
Typical Mingo Star Party Events Include:

* Safe Solar Viewing through permanently mounted solar telescopes

* Night sky viewing through two permanently mounted club-owned telescopes and various portable member-owned telescopes

* Planetarium shows/movies on various astronomy topics, virtual night-sky tours, and guest lectures in the Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium's domed-roof theater 

* Children's "Story Time" and science demonstrations on various astronomy topics (such as how comets are made)

* Self-paced activities and observing challenges in the newly redesigned "Command Center" Activity Zone with opportunities to earn rewards by completing the Astronomy Passport program

* Short educational films on monthly astronomy topics playing on a loop in educational center

* Member-submitted photos from the Kevin J. Brunelle Astrophotography Contests shown on a looping slideshow

* Interactive educational posters, globes of the planets, 3D and tactile displays, asteroid and space shuttle tile samples, and more to explore throughout the entire building


Additional Information:

Park along the Observing Hill Road. Please turn off headlights and use Parking Lights, between Shelter 10 and the Observatory. Handicapped Parking is available next to the Observatory Building.

The observatory has no running water but does have a park style handicapped accessible outdoor restroom.

Smoking/Vaping is Prohibited, not only inside but also outside on the observatory grounds. Smoke damages the delicate telescope optics.

No Alcohol is permitted on the observatory grounds.