Typically, astronomy night is held in-person at the MSU St. Andrews building in Midland. Events include family-oriented activities and stargazing through various telescopes. We will return to hosting our in-person events as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are excited to continue to deliver fun and engaging astronomy night events to you via Zoom.
Monthly virtual presentations include finding the planets and other cool things currently in the night sky. We will also keep you updated on what is happening in space and technology. Time is allowed during each of our live (virtual) events to answer questions from participants. Each presentation offers, upon request, printable sky charts, and other materials for your home use.
Please see the information below for upcoming events and recordings of past virtual Family Astronomy Night presentations.
You may also follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list to receive notices about upcoming Astronomy Night presentations and other events at MSU St. Andrews.
Did you know that this October, Mars will be closer to Earth than it will be for any time in the next 15 years? Have you noticed that Mars has increased in brightness all year, and is now about forty times brighter than a year ago? Are you aware that Earth has had more missions to Mars fail than to all other…
Did you see Comet NEOWISE as it flew by the Earth over the past few months? Did you notice that it seemed to be flying “backward” as it passed the Big Dipper? Have you been watching Jupiter and Saturn moving side-by-side through Sagittarius in the evening skies? Did you know that Mars is nearing its closest Earth approach when it will be…
Due to the flood conditions, tonight’s planned astronomy event is postponed. We hope your families stay safe and healthy during this difficult time. Did you know that brilliant Venus will soon disappear from its finest evening appearance in eight years? Or that you can now see all five naked-eye planets in a single night? Are you aware that the planets don’t move…
Due to the coronavirus situation and current public health recommendations, MSU St. Andrews will be offering a Zoom-based presentation on Tuesday, March 17, 8:00 p.m. instead of our normal program. There will be no in-house seating, nor post-session observing, for this event. We hope you’ll join us online! Please click this link to join the webinar: https://msu.zoom.us/j/920855823 Be sure to click “join…
Did you know that some stars throb and pulse like a heartbeat? That some stars change their color or their brightness back and forth over days or months? Or that one of the brightest stars in our sky has suddenly dimmed quite noticeably, and astronomers don’t know why? Join us at MSU St. Andrews in Midland to learn more! Families with school-age…
