Observe the Sky with Us!
The Raleigh Astronomy Club is dedicated to promoting astronomy in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, including surrounding communities. We do this through a range of different formats including public observing events, customized outreach events for groups (schools, scouts, camps, etc), classes and clinics, and other special events such as Astronomy Days and the Statewide Star Party.
If you are looking to contact the club to have us come out to your event, please fill out our outreach request form. We are volunteers, so please give us a few days to respond. If you do not hear from us, send an email to the club, [email protected].
Public Observing:
The Raleigh Astronomy Club holds public observing nights every few months. These are typically announced through our website calendar and facebook/twitter accounts. Just come out and join us – the events are typically free and we provide the telescopes and experience to know what to point them at! Depending on what’s up, we show off planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and more. We just ask that white lights (e.g. flashlights) be kept to a minimum to enjoy the darkness and let our eyes adapt to get the most from the night sky.
There are almost always a range of events during the Statewide Star Party each April (part of the NC Science Festival). We have also been planning events at Dorothea Dix a couple times per year.
If you have been to our public session and looking for more information on the hobby, our monthly RACOBS meeting may meet your needs.
Classes and Clinics:
Classes and clinics are currently on hold. We are unable to find a suitable meeting space.
Special Events (Schools, Scouts, Libraries, Museums, etc…):
Volunteers from RAC are often requested to give a presentation or have an observing session for a group. We accommodate as many requests as possible. If your event has a strong astronomy component, please go to our outreach request form to send the information we need to consider your request.
Astronomy Days:
Each January, along with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences the Raleigh Astronomy Club presents Astronomy Days. Two days of astronomy focused activities filling the museum. Volunteers from RAC staff about a dozen exhibits including astrophotography, telescopes on display, exoplanets, solar observing, and more. There is something for everyone at Astronomy Days!
Want More?
All meetings are open to the public. We have monthly indoor meetings, RACOBS observing sessions (per acceptable weather) as well as special interest group meetings. Topics can range from observational astronomy, to member demonstrations, history, to astrophysics. If you need info, email the club at [email protected]
