Member's Only Dark Sky Weekend (2026-05-15)

Member’s Only Dark Sky Weekend

May 12, 2026 Macastronomer Comments Off

When: May 15, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – May 17, 2026 @ 5:49 am

Where: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA

Hello Astronomy Fans! If it’s clear on Friday, club members will be meeting under a starry sky with glass pointed upwards! If Friday is under the weather, Saturday is the contingency plan. For up-to-date Go-NoGo discussion, please check in with club members for a link to the Signal Chat. Check the forum here under “star parties” for final announcements. I […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-07/11

May 11, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: July 11, 2026 @ 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Where: Root River Park, 4012 80th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Public Sky Observing of the planets Venus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club. What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here. Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason. Resources: In the Sky July/2026, Phases […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-06/19

May 11, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: June 19, 2026 @ 9:45 pm – 11:45 pm

Where: Watson Soccer field, 1000 Essex Pkwy NW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 5.1 days after New Moon, planets Venus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club. What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here. Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-06/06

May 7, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: June 6, 2026 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Where: Root River Park, 4012 80th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Public Sky Observing of the planets Venus Jupiter bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club. Short presentation at 9 PM What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here. Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another […]

CANCELED: Public Sky Observing 2026-05/22

May 2, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: May 22, 2026 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Where: Watson Soccer field, 1000 Essex Pkwy NW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA

Canceled due to the cloudy weather Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 5.4 days after New Moon, planets Venus Jupiter bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club. What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here. Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-04/24

February 9, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: April 24, 2026 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: Salem Glen Winery, 5211 60th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA

Visitors have the option to reserve a pizza on the website https://www.salemglenvineyard.com/pizza_res/pizza_res2.php , wood-fire pizza is served from 4:30 PM till 7:30 PM. Wonders of the Spring sky Presentation by Robert Fealey [PDF version] This presentation offers a comprehensive guide to the Spring sky, transitioning from the brilliant stars of winter to the “Great Diamond” of the vernal season. It […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-03/27

February 9, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: March 27, 2026 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: Oxbow Park, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920, USA

Beginners guide to the Astrophotography Presentation by Michael Benson Astrophotography captures the breathtaking beauty and secrets of the cosmos. It requires specialized equipment to collect faint light over long exposures, revealing details invisible to the naked eye. From capturing the vibrant colors of nebulae to the majestic dance of galaxies, astrophotography allows us to witness astronomical phenomena in stunning detail, pushing […]

Public Sky Observing 2026-02/27

January 21, 2026 Josef Chlachula Comments Off

When: February 27, 2026 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Oxbow Park, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920, USA

Presentation by Randy Hemann When the Sky Glows: How the Northern Lights Work Auroras have inspired myths and scientific inquiry across various cultures and throughout history. In this talk, we will explore the interactions between solar activity, Earth’s magnetic field, atmospheric chemistry, and human perception that create these stunning light displays. The colors and visibility of auroras depend on altitude, […]

RAC Monthly Club Meeting – Special Event

December 19, 2025 John Martin Comments Off

When: January 16, 2026 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Randy's House, 1904 Summit Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906, USA

Happy 2026! This month’s meeting for members and their guests, or for those who would like to join, will be held at my home at 1904 Summit Dr NE, Friday, January 17, 6:00 pm. We will catch up with each other since we last met in November, elect 2025 club officers, assign posts, and preview club activities for 2026.

RAC Monthly Meeting July 2026

December 19, 2025 John Martin Comments Off

When: July 14, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: RCTC Room EA103 (use the southeastern entrance to RCTC.), UCR/RCTC Main Building, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips. Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting. We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person […]