Family Events
Patterson Observatory:
Public Night at the Patterson Observatory
Date / Time: 10/14/2021 / 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Location: Patterson Observatory 1140 N Colombo Avenue Sierra Vista
Audience: Adult, Family
Description: This free public observing event will feature Webb displays in the Bob Gent Science Center and telescope observing through a variety of telescopes. Admission is free but registration is required and space is limited. See: www.universitysouthfoundation.com/patterson-observatory to register. The event is weather dependent and will be canceled if the sky is cloudy. Call 520-458-8278 extension 2214 for a recorded message announcing cancellation.
More Information: http://www.universitysouthfoundation.com/patterson-observatory
Patterson Observatory:
Sierra Vista City Star Party
Date / Time: 10/15/2021 / 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista
Audience: Adult, Family
Description: Admission is free and open to everyone. The event will feature telescope observing with members of the Huachuca Astronomy Club. Informational materials about the James Webb Space Telescope will be available for free. The event is weather dependent and cancelation will be announced on the club’s and the city’s social media platforms if the sky turns too cloudy.
More Information: http://www.universitysouthfoundation.com/patterson-observatory
University of Arizona:
James Webb Space Telescope Day at Flandrau
Date / Time: 10/16/2021 / 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Audience: Youth, Adult, Family
Description: Join the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium as we celebrate the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. We will have special displays and activities delving into infrared astronomy, a live presentation by a UA scientist in our planetarium theater, and planetarium shows exploring other worlds. In addition, to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night, we will have a “star party” on the mall in front of Flandrau, with telescope viewing of the Moon and planets.
More Information: https://flandrau.org
Patterson Observatory:
Huachuca Astronomy Club Meeting
Date / Time: 10/22/2021 / 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Student Union Building Cochise College 901 N Colombo Avenue Sierra Vista
Audience: Adult, Family
Description: Dr. George Rieke, MIRI team leader at the University of Arizona, is the guest speaker. MIRI is the mid-infrared imager on the James Webb Space Telescope. This meeting is open to the public and admission is free.
More Information: http://www.hacastronomy.org
Arizona State University:
School of Earth and Space Exploration Virtual Open House
Date / Time: 10/22/2021 / 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University
Audience: Family
Description: Earth and Space Exploration Open House is a free annual event held in the fall and spring semesters and hosted by the graduate students of the School of Earth and Space Exploration.
More Information: https://asu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YNIqsra5RJGz46s5XTWRVw
Patterson Observatory:
JWST “Launch Party”
Date / Time: 10/23/2021 / 9:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Patterson Observatory 1140 N Colombo Ave Sierra Vista
Audience: Adult, Family
Description: This open house event at the Patterson Observatory, 1140 N. Colombo Avenue, Sierra Vista, will celebrate the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and will feature a virtual presentation by a NASA scientist. The event’s other activities and presentations will include solar viewing with members of the Huachuca Astronomy Club, Webb displays and videos, a IR camera demonstration, an attended display of NASA artifacts, a live Spanish language Webb presentation, and a guided activity where guests can build their own paper model of Webb. Admission is free.
More Information: http://www.universitysouthfoundation.com/patterson-observatory
Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Galexy Gossip: Types of Stars
Date / Time: 10/26/2021 / 5:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Audience: Youth, Family
Description: Galexy Gossip is back! NASA Ambassador, Alex Nachman is back with her new galaxy and telescope series, which leads up to our large Webb Telescope event! Make different types of stars with playdough and play a special star related game!
More Information: https://pcld.libnet.info/event/5485541
Arizona State University:
Fairway Library & Maricopa County Library District Presentation
Date / Time: 10/26/2021 / 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University
Audience: Family
Description: TBD
More Information: https://sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/events
Patterson Observatory:
JWST Speaker Presentation
Date / Time: 10/28/2021 / 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Sierra Vista Library 2600 E Tacoma St, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Youth, Adult, Family
Description: Solar System Ambassador Ted Forte will deliver a talk on the James Webb Space Telescope. This event is open to the public and admission is free.
Arizona State University:
Marston Theater Virtual Night Presentation
Date / Time: 11/3/2021 / 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University Marston Theatre
Audience: Family
Description: Wonder how the James Webb Space Telescope will build on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope as an international observatory to better understand our place in the cosmos? Join our ASU scientists and students as they share what new science the Webb telescope will be able to do.
More Information: https://asu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9AQaFmavSbWfwkzunUhMWA
Show Low Public Library:
Family Space Night
Date / Time: 11/5/2021 / 6:15 – 8:00 PM
Location: Show Low Public Library
Audience: Family
Description: Family friendly event with different activities that families can do together. This will include making your own nebula using a paint spinner, building your own James Webb Telescope with Origami, and night sky watching with telescopes. Participants can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the James Webb Telescope launch.
More Information: http://www.showlowaz.gov/library
Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Galexy Gossip: Telescopes
Date / Time: 11/9/2021 / 5:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Audience: Youth, Family
Description: Galexy Gossip is back! NASA Ambassador, Alex Nachman is back with her new galaxy and telescope series, which leads up to our large Webb Telescope event! Prepare for the Webb Telescope launch event on December 18th by playing an animation telescope game and creating different telescope models.
More Information: https://pcld.libnet.info/event/5485542
Arizona State University:
Earth and Space Exploration Day
Date / Time: 11/13/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University and French Guiana
Audience: Family
Description: Earth and Space Exploration Day is a free annual event hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration. This event includes science-related activities for students age five and up, families, educators, and anyone interested in Earth and space.
More Information: https://sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/events
Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Galexy Gossip: Webb Telescope
Date / Time: 11/23/2021 / 5:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Audience: Youth, Family
Description: Galexy Gossip is back! NASA Ambassador, Alex Nachman is back with her new galaxy and telescope series, which leads up to our large Webb Telescope event! This final program will conclude with another presentation about the December 18th launch, creating and comparing different wave lengths for telescopes, and some cool handouts and prizes!
More Information: https://pcld.libnet.info/event/5485543
Arizona State University:
JWST Launch Viewing Party
Date / Time: 12/18/2021 / 6:00 AM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University and French New Guinea
Audience: Family
Description: James Webb Space Telescope Watch Party featuring a live stream of the launch
More Information: https://sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/events
Pipe Spring National Monument:
Art and Astronomy Celebrating The Webb Space Telescope
Date / Time: 9/23/2021 / 1:00 PM
Location: Patterson Observatory 1140 N Colombo Ave Sierra Vista
Audience: Family
Description: Come celebrate the launching of the James Webb Space Telescope Launch with NASA and Pipe Spring National Monument certified International Dark Sky Park. The James Webb Space Telescope remains on schedule for a launch readiness date no earlier than Oct. 31, 2021.Pipe Spring will be celebrating this celestial event by interpreting art through the eyes of the public of images they connect to the Webb Space Telescope or the dark sky. Pipe Spring will host art tables with art supplies that will include sketching, watercolor painting, and chalk for use. A small child’s fishpond will also be available where children can fish for a galaxy as well as an informational table relating to what the James Webb Space Telescope is. Visitors with questions should call the Pipe Spring National Monument visitors center at 928-643-6345.
More Information: https://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm
City of Sierra Vista:
How Webb Works Display
Date / Time: 10/5/2021 / 8:00 AM
Location: Oscar Yrun Community Center, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: The City of Sierra Vista is hosting a multi-site Webb Telescope exhibit. Using images and accompanying content created by NASA, the exhibit will feature four distinct displays highlighting the science behind the James Webb Space Telescope and how its components work to give scientist a better understanding of the universe.
How Webb Works Display
Webb’s four scientific instruments use a variety of tools—cameras, spectrographs, and coronagraphs—designed to maximize scientific knowledge and build on data collected by the Hubble Telescope to expand our understanding of targeted elements of the universe. This display delves into the science behind Webb. Hosted at the Oscar Yrun Community Center located at 3020 E. Tacoma St., Sierra Vista, AZ. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
City of Sierra Vista:
Dissecting Supermassive Black Holes
Date / Time: 10/5/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Henry F. Hauser Museum, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: The City of Sierra Vista is hosting a multi-site Webb Telescope exhibit. Using images and accompanying content created by NASA, the exhibit will feature four distinct displays highlighting the science behind the James Webb Space Telescope and how its components work to give scientist a better understanding of the universe.
Dissecting Supermassive Black Holes Display
As the premier space observatory for astronomers worldwide, the James Webb Space Telescope will expand upon the Hubble’s discoveries and will work to deliver quality images of supermassive black holes originally obscured by dust and by the light of galaxies and collect high-resolution data on how these dense, compact objects affect the formation of galaxies and stars. This display highlights how Webb will analyze supermassive black holes and their effect on their environment. Hosted at the Henry F. Hauser Museum located in the Ethel Berger Center at 2950 E. Tacoma St. Sierra Vista, AZ. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
City of Sierra Vista:
Understanding the Early Universe Display
Date / Time: 10/5/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Sierra Vista Public Library, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: The City of Sierra Vista is hosting a multi-site Webb Telescope exhibit. Using images and accompanying content created by NASA, the exhibit will feature four distinct displays highlighting the science behind the James Webb Space Telescope and how its components work to give scientist a better understanding of the universe.
Understanding the Early Universe Display
With the help of astronomers and several sophisticated tools, the Webb Telescope will take a look into the past to observe the first stars and galaxies born after the Big Bang, the formation of stars and planetary systems, and uncover clues about how galaxies are assembled over billions of years. This display explains how Webb helps us to better understand the formation of our universe. Hosted at the Sierra Vista Public Library located at 2600 E. Tacoma St. Sierra Vista, AZ. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
City of Sierra Vista:
Pushing the Boundaries of the Unknown
Date / Time: 10/5/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Sierra Vista Sports Division, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: The City of Sierra Vista is hosting a multi-site Webb Telescope exhibit. Using images and accompanying content created by NASA, the exhibit will feature four distinct displays highlighting the science behind the James Webb Space Telescope and how its components work to give scientist a better understanding of the universe.
Pushing the Boundaries of the Unknown Display
As the largest and most sophisticated telescope ever launched into space, the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to help scientists understand how galaxies assemble, peer through massive clouds of opaque dust and see where stars and planetary systems are being born, observe distant objects with greater clarity, and uncover information about objects inside and outside of our Solar System. This display shows how Webb will be at the forefront of gathering scientific data. Hosted at the Sierra Vista Sports Division located at 3401 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista, AZ. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
Arizona State University:
New Discoveries Lecture Series: The Universe Beyond Hubble
Date / Time: 10/7/2021 / 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Virtual from Arizona State University
Audience: Family
Description: Join this special edition of the New Discoveries Lecture Series hosted by Arizona State University bringing a panel of ASU scientists and students to share the wonder of the Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s sequel to the Hubble Space Telescope to be launched from Kourou, French Guyana in December 2021.
More Information: https://sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/events
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona:
Virtual Star Party/Webb Launch Event
Date / Time: 10/9/2021 / 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual from Mt. Lemmon
Audience: Family
Description: *In the event that we are not able to host our star party & Webb launch celebration in person, we will be hosting a virtual star party in its stead.
A live feed will be run to our public outreach telescope atop Mt. Lemmon, giving views of the cosmos. Guest speakers will be teaching throughout the evening about MIRI and NIRCam, the instruments aboard Webb that were both developed at the University of Arizona. Discover Legrange points, engineering origami, and more, with hands-on demos supporting the science of Webb. Activity instructions will be available on our webpage https://skycenter.arizona.edu/. Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists are excited to share the wildlife and natural history of the canyon and surrounding Sonoran desert. Learn about the importance of dark skies, and how you can protect them, with the International Dark Sky Association.
More Information: https://skycenter.arizona.edu/
City of Sierra Vista:
Space-Themed Rec & Roll
Date / Time: 10/9/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Sierra Vista Sports Division, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Sierra Vista Sports Division located at 3401 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista, AZ. A space-themed recreational activity for families and children of all ages! Rec & Roll will feature face painting, a bouncy castle, crafts, a green screen for out of this world photographs and more. This program is free and open to the public.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona:
Sabino Canyon Star Party/Webb Launch Event
Date / Time: 10/9/2021 / 6:00 PM
Location: Sabino Canyon Visitor Center
Audience: Family
Description: Please join the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter for a night of wonder under the stars, as we celebrate the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope! With safety in mind, this event will be held entirely outdoors at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, with support from the USFS. Guest speakers will be teaching throughout the evening about MIRI and NIRCam, the instruments aboard Webb that were both developed at the University of Arizona. Discover Legrange points, engineering origami, and more, with hands-on demos supporting the science of Webb. Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists are excited to share the wildlife and natural history of the canyon and surrounding Sonoran desert. Learn about the importance of dark skies, and how you can protect them, with the International Dark Sky Association. In all the excitement, take time to bask under the starlight with a team of experienced astronomers and their telescopes. This event is free of charge and suitable for all ages! Please follow federal guidelines regarding Covid-19 while at the event: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates
More Information: https://skycenter.arizona.edu/
Patterson Observatory:
Kartchner Star Party
Date / Time: 10/9/2021 / 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Audience: Adult, Family
Description: Hosted by the Huachuca Astronomy Club. The event will feature a Webb telescope display during an afternoon of solar viewing. Solar System Ambassador Ted Forte will deliver a talk on the James Webb Space Telescope in the Discovery Center Theater at 5:30 pm. Night sky observing will commence after dark. A park admission fee applies to this event ($7.00 per vehicle). Star party activities are at no additional charge.
More Information: https://azstateparks.com/kartchner
Arizona Science Center:
Astronomy Day
Date / Time: 10/9/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Arizona Science Center
Audience: Family
Description: Join us on Saturday, October 9th to celebrate Astronomy Day with Arizona Science Center! Come and explore all things related to the universe, space travel, and the latest missions in space, including NASA’s upcoming launch of its James Webb Space Telescope! Immerse yourself in fun, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and films in our Dorrance Planetarium. Learn more at: www.azscience.org.
More Information: http://www.azscience.org
City of Sierra Vista:
Stomp Rockets with Echoing Hope Ranch
Date / Time: 10/10/2021 / 10:00 AM
Location: Sierra Vista Public Library, Sierra Vista, AZ
Audience: Family
Description: Join guests from Echoing Hope Ranch to build and launch stomp rockets! Designed by Explore Science for imaginative play, the stomp rocket activity invites participants to build their own rocket and imagine its mission before launching it at a target poster. This program is free and open to the public. It is geared toward special-needs adults, but open to people of all abilities.
More Information: https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/
Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Galexy Gossip: Stars
Date / Time: 10/12/2021 / 5:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
Audience: Youth, Family
Description: Galexy Gossip is back! NASA Ambassador, Alex Nachman is back with her new galaxy and telescope series, which leads up to our large Webb Telescope event! Create stars with playdough and make an (edible) model of the sun!
More Information: https://pcld.libnet.info/event/5485540
