Welcome to the Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference!

REGISTRATION: https://www.ncral2026.org/

The Cedar Amateur Astronomers warmly invite you to join us in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in May 2026 for an unforgettable celebration of astronomy and science. Nestled in the heart of Eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers beautiful spring scenery and a welcoming
community—making it the perfect setting for this year’s conference. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, an educator, a student, or simply curious about the cosmos, you’ll find something inspiring at our event.

A Conference for Everyone
​The Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference (EICC) is an umbrella for three primary events.

Track 1, the main event, is the 2026 annual conference of the North Central Region of the Astronomical League (NCRAL). It features:

• a fun and exciting night of pre-conference activities and an equipment swap meet at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center (EIOLC) on the evening of Friday, May 15,

• the annual NCRAL Business Meeting, a full day of advanced presentations by distinguished speakers, educational exhibits, an optional banquet dinner, the post-banquet keynote address, an astrophotography contest, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities on Saturday, May 16, and

• the opportunity to participate in four optional tours of astronomy-related attractions on Sunday, May 17.

Track 2, running in parallel with Track 1’s afternoon activities on Saturday May 16, is designed for educators, students of all ages, families, and community members seeking hands-on activities, demonstrations, and short talks appropriate for the wide age range.
Track 2 will be conducted with the assistance of up to six NASA Solar System Ambassadors as well as additional volunteers and will also include:

• a portable planetarium experience,

• displays of telescopes and other astronomy-related equipment,

• the ability to observe the launching of a weather balloon,

• the ability for participants to purchase banquet tickets and attend the conference post-banquet keynote address, and

• the opportunity to participate in four optional tours of astronomy-related attractions on Sunday, May 17.

The third event under the umbrella of the Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference is a totally free public lecture by a renowned Harlow Shapley Lecturer made possible through a program offered by the American Astronomical Association. The presentation will be offered in parallel with Track 1 morning events on Saturday, May 16. The presentation will be appropriate for all age levels, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the excitement of astronomy.