NSF’s NOIRLab invites teachers and astronomers to participate in our Project ASTRO program for the 2025-2026 school year.
A particularly exciting opportunity presents itself this year as we have potential TWO naked eye comets that we can view under the dark skies of Kitt Peak AND the peak of the Orionid meteor shower will be only a few days away!
Project ASTRO gives teachers access to a network of professional and amateur astronomers who visit the teacher’s classrooms (in person or virtually) throughout the school year. The astronomers can participate in astronomy education in a variety of ways that include giving a presentation, leading an activity, talking about careers in astronomy and STEM, showing students their astronomy equipment and other creative ideas generated by the teachers and astronomers. Some astronomers have the ability to live stream images from their solar and nighttime telescopes as well!
The 2025 Project ASTRO workshop will take place on Saturday, October 18 at Kitt Peak Ntional Observatory. Transportation will be provided from NOIRLab Headquarters (950 N Cherry Ave Tucson AZ 85710). The bus will depart at 8:30am and return at approximately 10:30pm.
The workshop will include
- Classroom-ready hands-on activities
- Tours of Kitt Peak’s world class telescopes
- A preview of the Windows On The Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach
- Science On a Sphere show
- Evening observing under the dark, clear skies of Kitt Peak!
Meals will be provided at the Kitt Peak dining hal
Teachers will receive lesson plans on a memory stick as well as other giveaways to use in the classroom.
We hope you can join us on October 18!
Details:
What: 2025 Project ASTRO Workshop
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- 8:30am Bus departs NOIRLab Headquarters (950 N Cherry Ave, Tucson AZ 85719)
- 10:00am – 9:00pm Project ASTRO workshop at Kitt Peak National Observatory
- 10:30pm (approx) Arrive back at NOIRLab Headquarters
Cost: $15 registration fee (open until workshop is full)
Tucson Values Teachers is providing limited scholarships for educators to attend PD opportunities, if you are interested, click here for more information
- For questions regarding this resource, please contact NSF NOIRLab.
- Contact Name: Rob Sparks
- Phone No: 520-318-8313
- Email Address: robert.sparks@noirlab.edu