August Star Party and Moth Collecting

Join us for our next in-person Star Party! Outside, we'll have our telescopes set up to observe our favorite deep-space objects (weather permitting). Inside, you can explore hands-on activities, and our expert astronomy team will guide you through the night sky and highlight cosmic sights in our planetarium. 

We’ll also have a special evening addition of Expeditions focusing on moths! Starting at 9:30, we’ll find a quiet corner of the Bell’s Learning Landscape where we’ll set up black lights to attract, identify, and collect the moths that can be found around the museum. Want more moths in your life? Get started on your moth journey in July with Moth Week!

This program operates in conjunction with Star Party activities and is weather-dependent.

Planetarium Show: Reading the Night Sky

Showtimes: 9:10 pm, 9:40 pm, 10:10 pm

PLEASE NOTE: Your EventBrite registration is not a planetarium show ticket. You can retrieve a planetarium ticket from the front desk at the Star Party.

FAQ

What is a Star Party?

A Star Party is an evening of astronomical celebration, exploration, and fun. At a Star Party, you’ll find hands-on activities and demonstrations from Bell educators and community partners throughout the museum. If there are clear skies, you will be able to look through high-powered telescopes at astronomical objects. Additionally, there are typically free planetarium shows that are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Oftentimes, Star Parties have special themes or topics.

What time should I be there?

There is no official “start” to the party—you can drop in anytime during the window of time listed above.

Will there be planetarium shows?

Yes, this month's show is Reading the Night Sky. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. PLEASE NOTE: Your EventBrite registration is not a planetarium show ticket. You can retrieve a planetarium ticket from the front desk at the Star Party.

Is the event weather dependent?

The event is rain or shine, however, the telescopes are not. If there is rain or cloudy skies, there will not be telescopes outside—but there will be plenty to see inside the museum!

Will this event also be offered virtually?

This event is only offered in-person and not virtually. If you are looking for virtual astronomy content, you can check out some of our pre-recorded Virtual Star Parties on our YouTube channel!

Host or Publisher Bell Museum