Sharing the Night Sky with the Public Since 1949

For over seventy-five years, the Denver Astronomical Society has brought together stargazers across the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. The society hosts dozens of events and activities yearly to promote amateur astronomy across our unique region, one mile nearer the stars.

July

8:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Open House

Looking for a FREE fun family activity? Join the Denver Astronomical Society for our monthly Open House Saturday night at dusk. This event will occur on the south lawn of DU’s historic Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Avenue, Denver. Weather … Read More ...

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What’s Up in Denver? May 18th through 24th, 2026

Here’s a brief look at what’s going on in the Mile High City this week. May 18: 👀 Look for the waxing crescent Strawberry Moon next to Venus, the “evening star” on the border of Taurus and Gemini low in the western sky just after sunset. 📝 DAS E-Board Meeting: Member only, virtual event via Zoom (check membership email or slack to join): 7:00 PM 🪐 Mercury reaches Perihelion, it’s closest point to the sun in its orbit around it: 4:00 AM May 19: 🖥️ Space Telescope Science Institute: Big Black Holes, Bigger Problems — Mysteries from the Dawn of…
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ALCON 2026 Is Coming to Cincinnati

Each year, amateur astronomers from across the United States gather for one of the biggest astronomy conventions in the country: ALCON, the annual conference of the Astronomical League. In 2026, the event heads to the Cincinnati area for four days of astronomy talks, workshops, tours, social events, and community-building—and everyone is invited. You do not need to be an Astronomical League member to attend. Hosted by the Cincinnati Astronomical Society in partnership with the Astronomical League, ALCON 2026 will take place August 12–15, 2026, with an optional afterparty event on August 16. For amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, telescope enthusiasts, citizen scientists,…
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Don’t Be a Party Pooper: The Essential Guide to Astronomical Star Parties

This article is based on the “Star Party Preparation and Etiquette” post on Cloudy Nights by DAS Member and Trustee, Joe Gafford. What’s a Star Party? A star party is a gathering of astronomy enthusiasts who come together to observe the night sky, share knowledge, and enjoy celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars. These events are attended by a mix of amateur and professional astronomers, astrophotographers, and casual stargazers of all experience levels. The larger regional star parties take place in remote dark-sky locations or national parks. Activities often include guided stargazing sessions, telescope viewing, astrophotography workshops, and educational presentations.…
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Accepting Scholarship Applications Through June 15, 2026

The Denver Astronomical Society is now accepting applications for the 2026 Van Nattan-Hansen-Anderson Scholarship (VNHA). Established in 1973, the VNHA Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students pursuing studies in astronomy, astrophysics, physical sciences, mathematics, and related fields. Each year, the scholarship helps encourage the next generation of scientists, educators, and researchers by providing financial assistance to students who have demonstrated both academic achievement and a strong interest in the physical sciences. Scholarship Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria: Graduating high school seniors or undergraduate college students Pursuing studies in astronomy, astrophysics, physical sciences, mathematics, or…
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Chamberlin Observatory Tours

The Denver Astronomical Society hosts weekly and monthly events* at the University of Denver’s historic Chamberlin Observatory, which features its prized 1894 Alvan Clark-Saegmuller 20-inch refracting telescope. The Observatory serves as the DAS home base for numerous Astronomy Nights, Open Houses, and special events throughout the year.

Due to overwhelming demand, we are changing how we reserve our Astronomy Nights and adding more to the calendar. For details, see our Reservations page.

If you have any questions about EXISTING reservations or want to change your existing reservation, email us at reservations@denverastro.org.

M•45 – Pleiades, Seven Sisters, Subaru image by Darrell Dodge

Astrophotography Special Interest Group

The Denver Astronomical Society (DAS) has established a Special Interest Group amongst its members devoted to Astrophotography. Do you want to learn or improve your skills in astrophotography? Do you enjoy viewing pictures of the Sun, Moon, Planets, or Deep Sky Objects? Can you take similar images? You may have skills that you could pass on to novice members. Consider joining DAS and being part of this Special Interest Group. Please email us for more information. astrophotogroup@denverastro.org

The Van Nattan-Hansen-Anderson Scholarship

Established in 1973, the DAS Van Nattan-Hansen-Anderson Scholarship supports graduating high school and undergraduate college students majoring in astronomy and the physical sciences. Interested and eligible students are invited to apply for funding on the Scholarship Page.