ASRAS holds WEEKLY and MONTHLY star parties in the Rochester area !

Saturday nights at the Strasenburgh -

The Strasenburgh Planetarium has a 12 1/2" telescope on the roof that our club members operate on clear Saturday nights. Anyone can join us for Free!
Just climb the 60 stairs to the roof deck via the entrance to the tower next to the rear door of the planetarium.
Unless at least mostly clear, we may not be open for observing. Dimmer deep sky objects are only visible in fairly clear skies, so if in doubt:
Call the planetarium box office at 697-1945 after 7:30PM to confirm we're open. Or call Jim's cell directly at 585-703-9876 if no answer at the box office.
Click the "more info" link to go to the Museum's website, but please believe the hours and dates posted here as they are updated weekly and are accurate!
More Info...

Directions for star parties at the STRASENBURGH PLANETARIUM: The planetarium is part of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, on East Avenue at Goodman Street in downtown Rochester.
The telescope is on the roof, up 60 stairs. Use the parking lot behind the planetarium and the stair case to the scope is to the right before entering the back door of the planetarium.
Phone: 697-1945 (Planetarium Box Office)

Monthly Star Parties - North Hampton and Mendon Ponds Parks :

In addition to weekly observing sessions on the rooftop at Strasenburgh Planetarium, ASRAS holds public star parties during the months when the snow doesn't fly. There is at least one per month, and normally alternate between Mendon Ponds Park on the east side of town and Northampton Park on the west side, but we occasionally add in a different site. They are always subject to cancellation for clouds and we usually can't predict this in advance as conditions by the big lake here can change rapidly. These are informal observing events where members bring their own telescopes and invite the public to came and take a look. They are always free and open to anyone who wants to stop by; no reservations, etc. Knowledgeable members are there to guide you through the sky and answer questions about astronomy. We hope these observing sessions spark an interest in not only astronomy, but science in general. Why not plan to bring your family, class, or scout troop to a star party and broaden their interest to the whole universe? If you're bringing a large group, be sure to tell us in advance so we can be sure to have enough members there to devote time to you.  

Directions for star parties at MENDON PONDS :
To get there from Rochester, take Clover Street (Rt 65) south out of Pittsford. About 3/4 of a mile after passing over the Thruway, take the first left into the park (Canfield Rd). Go about 3/4 mile and make a right on Hopkins Point Road. We'll be about 1/4 mile along on the right. Park on the right shoulder, not on the grass to avoid damage to the field.

Directions for star parties at NORTH HAMPTON PARK:
Northampton Park is off RT 31 on the west side of the Rochester area. Coming from the city, head west on RT 490, past 390. About a mile after passing 390, take RT 531 west. Take that to the end, about 8 miles or so. Take a right at the end, then a quick left on RT 31 west. One mile along, Hubbell road is the first left hand turn, and the first park entrance. We'll be at the top of the hill on the right in the ski lodge parking lot. (If that lot is busy with an event, we sometimes move across the street; a road sign will direct you)

Phone: Jim Seidewand cell: 585-703-9876