Star Party (West District)

Saguaro National Park Star Party!

Friday, January 16, 2026

Red Hills Visitor Center – Tucson Mountain District (West District)

2700 N. Kinney Rd. Tucson, AZ 85743

Since time immemorial, people have gazed into the night sky and felt a sense of wonder and awe. Looking to the stars, we have searched for our origins, drawn inspiration for myth and art, and simply enjoyed their silent beauty. Throughout history and across cultures, we have found our place in the world using the stars as a guide. Take part in this timeless tradition and enjoy one of Saguaro National Park’s most important natural and cultural resources.

Join us for a special opportunity to experience the night sky of Saguaro National Park at our annual Star Party!

6PM to 7PM – Guest Speaker Presentation "Ancient Skywatchers" with Dr. Erica Ellingson (University of Colorado Boulder). We have been watching the sky for all of history, using it to tell the time and seasons and to navigate land and sea. We’ll explore sky watching from the perspectives of three cultures: the ancient Hohokam of southern Arizona, the Ancestral Pueblo of the Four Corners region, and the ancient British builders of Stonehenge. Dr. Ellingson is an astrophysicist who delights in using telescopes large and small, in space and at observatories around the world. Her work includes investigating galaxy clusters, the evolution of galaxies, black holes, and the mysterious cosmological forces of dark matter and dark energy.  Reservations for this part of the Star Party are full. Telescope viewing is still available. Please see below. 

7PM to 9PM - The Star Party will feature telescopes run by experts from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, ranger-led programs, and information tables hosted by Dark Sky International and NASA JPL Solar System Ambassadors and NSF NOIRLab Kitt Peak. No reservation is required for these activities.

This is a popular event, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. Please dress warmly, wear closed-toed shoes, and refrain from using white light. Check our website two hours before you arrive to make sure the Star Party has not been canceled due to weather.  For questions, call 520-733-5158.