Calendar for public club events and meetings
NSA November Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: Club Swap Meet
Location Info
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Zoom Info
Time: Sep 19, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83028567268?pwd=faDtZo6aWl4LQdVxj8O7uVoJRjbDPr.1
Meeting ID: 830 2856 7268
Passcode: 656497
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NSA December Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: Presentation & Officer Elections
Presentation Summary: TBD
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
Time: Dec 18, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84648261720?pwd=3BOG2pFqV5rLKov9ErXl8aEiNoqXpR.1
Meeting ID: 846 4826 1720
Passcode: 879006
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NSA October Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: What it is Like to be a Dark Ranger in a National Park by Edith and Tom Auchter
Presentation Summary: Come hear how they learned of the program, training they had, activities in which they are involved including both solar and night-sky observing, and more. Their experience at Great Basin National Park has evolved over their fourteen years of volunteering. A major benefit to the Auchter’s is experiencing Bortle 1 skies during their summer season.
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
Time: Oct 23, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85992831155?pwd=Nqd609eQTvLdq0wbYLRANabtQHbcxe.1
Meeting ID: 859 9283 1155
Passcode: 545960
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+13126266799,,85992831155#,,,,*545960# US (Chicago)
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Coral Woods Public Observing (Rain Date)
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 6:30 PM.
Coral Woods Public Observing
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 6:30 PM.
NSA September Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: Wonders of Webb: Exploring the Universe with JWST, Part 3 by Jim Kovac
Presentation Summary: Exploration of the cosmos continues with the James Webb Space Telescope, as we discuss stellar birth along with the formation of protoplanetary systems. We will also cover some unexpected discoveries awaiting explanation and understanding, as JWST reveals a new view of the Universe.
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
Topic: Wonders of Webb: Exploring the Universe with JWST, Part 3
Time: Sep 25, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82291089641?pwd=zNlyb5MURebB1jf5pjWLHuJgjjYywX.1
Meeting ID: 822 9108 9641
Passcode: 982154
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CANCELLED: Crabtree Nature Center - Public Solar Observing
This event has been cancelled due to weather.
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions!
Report to 3rd lot east of walking entrance. The cable has no lock, please undo the blocking cable, drive over it, then put it back on so no visitors come in with their cars to our area.
Please arrive at 11 AM.
Afton Public Observing (Rain Date)
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 7 PM.
Afton Public Observing
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 7 PM.
NSA August Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: Light Years of Experience: A Club Panel Discussion
Presentation Summary: An evening with our own members sharing their knowledge across visual astronomy, astrophotography, gear and equipment, and the latest in space news. Bring your questions for a lively Q&A covering everything from choosing your first telescope to capturing your best deep-sky shot — plus a look at what's happening in the club and beyond.
NOTE: Please email info@nsaclub.org if you have any questions for the panel!
Panelists:
Mark Christensen
Dipak Patel
Edith Auchter
Mike Schiller
John Birchmeier
Moderator:
Rodney Przyborowski
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
Time: Aug 28, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85025284707?pwd=iH094jDXWP9Hbq60e1n9AfofrV9tBh.1
Meeting ID: 850 2528 4707
Passcode: 603943
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Join instructions
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Wildcat Mountain Public Solar Observing
Join the NSA Club for solar observing! 1pm-4pm
Interested in attending? Please inquire with the front desk of the park.
Wildcat Mountain Public Presentation & Night Observing
Join the NSA Club for a fun presentation about a space topic, and some nighttime observing with club members under ultra dark skes.
Presentation is from 8PM - 9PM.
Pubic star party starts at 9:30PM.
Interested in attending? Please inquire with the front desk of the park.
NSA July Monthly Club Meeting
Presentation Info
DIY Astronomy Night: Astronomy Meets Ingenuity
Some of the best astronomy solutions aren't bought—they're built. Join us as club members share their favorite DIY projects, clever hacks, custom equipment, software tools, and homemade innovations that make observing and imaging easier, better, and more enjoyable.
You'll see creative ideas, learn from real-world experiences, and perhaps find inspiration for your next astronomy project.
If you enjoy astronomy, problem-solving, or simply seeing what fellow enthusiasts have created, this is a meeting you won't want to miss.
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
Time: Jul 31, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85728921374?pwd=xCzym68FbOHheLavKmUJvSeqSEXNE7.1
Meeting ID: 857 2892 1374
Passcode: 139513
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NSA June Monthly Club Meeting
Presentation Info
I want to do some astronomical observing. How do I do it, and what can I expect to see?
NSA club member Mel Robinson will give a presentation on astronomical observing, with emphasis on topics for new observers and beginners. Learn when and where to observe the night sky, how to use the club observing sites, what to bring along to make an observing session more successful and comfortable, what types of things can you expect to see, and how to keep track of your observations.
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Zoom Info
NSA Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: June Monthly Meeting
Time: Jun 26, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86440460053?pwd=pFrkzEKff2hmdKhlX1aghAc4y4A2NQ.1
Meeting ID: 864 4046 0053
Passcode: 639407
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NSA May Club Meeting (second meeting of May)
Presentation Info
Brag Night - Join us for our “NSA Image Showcase Event” where NSA Cub Members showcase their astro and photography talents with images from this past Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. Interest in imaging continues to grow across our club membership and we anticipate seeing some great images, the equipment that was used and learning about these beautiful celestial objects! Come join us and be amazed at the level of images amateur astronomers can capture with today’s technology and equipment - from DSLR’s to high-end telescopes and optics.
Location Info
Virtual Only (please see Zoom info below)
Zoom Info
NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Brag Night
Time: May 29, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86710764183?pwd=M7bkkUPvTfC09QhPo4fXsLjPiLEa7a.1
Meeting ID: 867 1076 4183
Passcode: 846906
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Marengo Ridge Public Observing
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 8 PM.
NSA May 1st Hybrid Club Meeting - (virtual presentation/in-person meeting)
Presentation Info
Scaling Up from Backyard Mobile Rigs to Team Astrophotography and Remote Telescope Systems by John Williams
Location Info
Harper College, Building Z, Room Z-117
Zoom Info
NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: John Williams
Topic: Scaling Up from Backyard Mobile Rigs to Team Astrophotography and Remote Telescope Systems
Time: May 1, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81247230511?pwd=a1AafdvByXmg5UVPXYk4OaKwdlks2X.1
Meeting ID: 812 4723 0511
Passcode: 442635
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Astronomy Day 2026
Astronomy Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 starting 5:30 PM.
Please stay up to date on the Astronomy Day page for more information regarding this event. It will be updated on a weekly basis. Finalized schedules and information will be also posted here.
Download the official flyer & program!
NSA April Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
April Club Meeting - “What Went Wrong with the Hubble Space Telescope, and How Did We Fix It?” by Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, retired NASA astronaut and Professor of the Practice at MIT in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering. (virtual presentation/in-person meeting)
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
Zoom Info
NSA Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, retired NASA astronaut and Professor of the Practice at MIT in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.
Topic: What Went Wrong with the Hubble Space Telescope, and How Did We Fix It?
Time: Apr 10, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89490669502?pwd=2IbKc0a5amPqauZbSmd19SuAxsnZGO.1
Meeting ID: 894 9066 9502
Passcode: 398929
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Hill ‘N Dale Preserve - Public Observing (Rain/Snow Date)
This is a public observing event! Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 7:00 PM.
NSA March Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
March Club Meeting
STORIES of Space: Jules' Undersea Lab by Beth Mund
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
Zoom Info
NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: March Club Meeting - STORIES of Space: Jules' Undersea Lab
Time: Mar 6, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83823643643?pwd=AxmPfiUeWwKLMhZycvpLM3UEs9awf4.1
Meeting ID: 838 2364 3643
Passcode: 014991
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Hill ‘N Dale Preserve - Public Observing - RESCHEDULED to March 24th
This event has been rescheduled to March 24th. See that event here.
This is a public observing event. Participants of all ages are welcome to join; no membership required. Telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers will be on-site to assist and answer questions! Please bring a red flashlight, dress for the weather, and have fun!
Please arrive at 6:30 PM.
NSA January 2026 Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
January Club Meeting - Our Dynamic Star: How the Sun Works (in-person presentation)
Note: Due to the full moon alignment, there will be two May meetings instead of the usual February meeting.
Presentation Info
Our Dynamic Star: How the Sun Works - by Mark Christensen
Location Info
Harper College Room Z-117
Zoom Info
NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Our Dynamic Star: How the Sun Works - by Mark Christensen
Time: Jan 30, 2026 06:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83340198654?pwd=rRCT7VNN4K9aORkLgMhpy8TXxEhcrz.1
Meeting ID: 833 4019 8654
Passcode: 229253
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NSA December Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
December Hybrid Club Meeting and Annual Officer Elections. Presentation by Michael Steven Philips, University of Arizona. Topic Astrobiology (presentation will be virtual)
Location Info
Barrington Library
Zoom Info
Topic: December Hybrid Club Meeting and Annual Officer Elections
Time: Dec 5, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89736125603?pwd=FdOWiAYaiaJId5tY06aiuagefkXWRz.1
Meeting ID: 897 3612 5603
Passcode: 552280
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Meeting ID: 897 3612 5603
Passcode: 552280
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kduyQqOzfe
Palatine Library Night Sky Viewing
Join the Northwest Suburban Astronomers in the west parking lot as they set up their telescopes to view the planets and more in the night sky. All Ages. Drop in. Weather permitting. Alternate date November 21st.
https://www.palatinelibrary.org/event/night-sky-viewing-193784
NSA November Swap Meet & Monthly Club Meeting | ***In Person Only***
Presentation Info
Annual Club Swap Meet
Join us and peruse the tables of astronomy gear to purchase and start your journey in this hobby, augment your existing equipment or sell to make room for all the new gear you'll be going home with, or that Santa is going to bring you.
Location Info
Harper College, Building Z, Room Z-128
Coral Woods Public Observing (Rain Date)
Join us at Coral Woods to do some night sky observing!
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UcbThxUX5RUj4sCaA
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
Coral Woods Public Observing
Join us at Coral Woods to do some night sky observing!
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UcbThxUX5RUj4sCaA
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
NSA October Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
October Hybrid Club Meeting - Presentation by Kevin Coles, Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Astronomy in the Math/Science Department of Harper College
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Meeting Room
Zoom Info
Topic: October Hybrid Club Meeting
Time: Oct 3, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88401085614?pwd=Sh1JBZKEhZxe2T5ZRo4k9gnYIdpl3y.1
Meeting ID: 868 5308 0072
Passcode: 527105
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Dial by your location
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
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• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
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• +1 386 347 5053 US
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Meeting ID: 868 5308 0072
Passcode: 527105
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kvK13J8vu
The Barrington Area Library provides study room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
Afton Forest Preserve Public Observing (Rain Date)
Join us at Afton Forest Preserve to do some night sky observing!
There are no lock codes for this site.
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mXnM7uCbHwGCmJUZ6
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
Afton Forest Preserve Public Observing
Join us at Afton Forest Preserve to do some night sky observing!
There are no lock codes for this site.
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mXnM7uCbHwGCmJUZ6
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
Solar Observing Public Event | Crabtree Nature Center
Join us at Crabtree Nature Center to do some solar Observing!
There are NO lock codes. Please report to 3rd lot east of walking entrance. The cable has no lock, please undo the blocking cable, drive over it, then put it back on so no visitors come in with their cars to our area.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fYu4acKikfAfWW3U9