Calendar for public club events and meetings
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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
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
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/86853080072?pwd=neZ4YMbgY8NZuOXuRFN0rhabGyPHwa.1
Meeting ID: 868 5308 0072
Passcode: 527105
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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.
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
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
NSA November Monthly Club Meeting | ***In Person Only***
Presentation Info
Annual Club Swap Meet
Join us to look over the tables of astronomy related gear to purchase and either start your journey in this hobby or augment your existing equipment. Remember to bring your gear to sell and make room for all the new gear Santa will be bringing you.
Location Info
TBD
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, Arizona State University
Location Info
TBD
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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• +1 669 444 9171 US
Meeting ID: 897 3612 5603
Passcode: 552280
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kduyQqOzfe
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
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
NSA September Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
September Hybrid Club Meeting - A History of Imaging the Crab Nebula with Dale Dellutri
Location Info
Barrington Area Library
Zoom Info
Topic: September Club Meeting - A History of Imaging the Crab Nebula
Time: Sep 5, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89604782817?pwd=LXDB85iU3mFQJhGu339zhW3QW54lYi.1
Meeting ID: 896 0478 2817
Passcode: 449056
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• +1 360 209 5623 US
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• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
Meeting ID: 896 0478 2817
Passcode: 449056
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kglcwHGrM
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.
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 August Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Exploring the Universe with JWST, Part 2 with Jim Kovac
Location Info
Barrington Area Library
Zoom Info
Topic: August Club Meeting - Exploring the Universe with JWST, Part 2
Time: Aug 8, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83677454946?pwd=jFuarNCIHGDDzMjz25FSENBaRRNrgP.1
Meeting ID: 836 7745 4946
Passcode: 554972
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 836 7745 4946
Passcode: 554972
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbYzIKzHPg
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.
NSA July Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Topic: July Hybrid Club Meeting - Black Hole / Neutron Star Simulations
Sasha Tchekovskoy, Associate Professor
Northwestern Department of Physics & Astronomy
Location Info
Barrington Area Library
Zoom Info
Topic: July Hybrid Club Meeting - Black Hole / Neutron Star Simulations
Time: Jul 11, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87447572341?pwd=xZ5T1yKjALg4AFoTbov5hVUeLYksup.1
Meeting ID: 874 4757 2341
Passcode: 712887
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• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 874 4757 2341
Passcode: 712887
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdWjGxwEdl
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.
NSA June Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
June Hybrid Club Meeting - Europa Clipper mission
Michelle Nichols
Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago
Location Info
Barrington Area Library
Zoom Info
Topic: June Hybrid Club Meeting - Europa Clipper mission
Time: Jun 13, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89595406951?pwd=PgaNTbbJa5bQqTEJJdRaSSLSnb1jco.1
Meeting ID: 895 9540 6951
Passcode: 490256
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• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
Meeting ID: 895 9540 6951
Passcode: 490256
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kuYU0KLe7
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.
Marengo Ridge Public Observing (Rain Date)
Join us at Marengo Ridge to do some night sky observing!
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qX2JVtcJhnAQ3uTZA
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
Marengo Ridge Public Observing
Join us at Marengo Ridge to do some night sky observing!
Please arrive around 7pm.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qX2JVtcJhnAQ3uTZA
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
NSA May Monthly Club Meeting | Zoom Only
Presentation Info
Join us to witness club members’ best astrophotography! Starting at 7 pm, members will showcase their most impressive work capturing the sky.
Location Info
On Zoom
Zoom Info
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87210230918?pwd=QrIki05pfmQ8M31fbseAOwlJVabq2s.1
Meeting ID: 872 1023 0918
Passcode: 954372
Astronomy Day
Join us for this years Astronomy Day, a celebration for the Astronomy community! It will take place on April 26, 2025, at Harper College in Palatine, featuring engaging activities for all ages, including informative presentations, informational booths, hands-on youth crafts, and telescope viewing (weather permitting).
To help spread the word, we encourage you to download the Astronomy Day flyer via the button below and distribute it in your neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses. The flyer contains essential information about the event.
Together, we can inspire others to explore the night sky and foster a greater appreciation for astronomy. Download the flyer today and share it widely!
The event program and arrival instructions are below.
Astronomy Day 2025 Program
Saturday, April 26 | Doors open at 5:30 PM | Building Z
6:00 – 9:00 PM | Children's Craft Projects (Room Z128)
Karen Thompson, Northwest Suburban Astronomers
30-minute sessions. Tickets available at NSA Club Welcome Table.
6:00 & 7:00 PM: Cute Rocket Ships
6:30 & 7:30 PM: Make Your Own Constellation
6:00 PM Presentations
Europa Clipper and JUICE (Room Z102)
Two new missions from NASA and ESA will conduct an in-depth investigation of Jupiter’s icy moons, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. This presentation will provide an overview of these missions, what we know so far of Jupiter’s icy moons, and what we hope to learn.
Planetary Cartography (Room Z117)
Mapping planetary surfaces is an important objective when orbiting any solid body. This presentation will discuss some of the latest technologies and techniques for creating a comprehensive map of a planetary surface.
Rethinking the Big Bang (Room Z119)
What is the Big Bang theory? What is Dark Matter and Dark Energy? Do recent findings help or hurt the current model? Should we (and could we) re-think current assumptions? A conceptual overview, and new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, and old unresolved issues with the Big Bang Theory will be examined.
7:00 PM Presentations
Meteorites (Room Z102)
Experience holding something truly extraordinary—real meteorite samples, fragments of ancient space travelers, older than Earth itself, that journeyed across the cosmos before landing here. Just imagine - these pieces were once part of asteroids or even planets, and now we get to see and touch them up close. It’s like holding a piece of the universe in your hands!
Could We Understand an Alien Message? (Room Z117)
If an alien civilization sent a message, could we receive, decode, interpret, and understand it? Daniela de Paulis, Artist-in-Residence at the Green Bank Observatory and the SETI Institute, designed an actual message that was as alien as possible, then arranged to have it transmitted to Earth from a spacecraft orbiting Mars. What did we learn?
Aurora Borealis: Nature’s Fireworks (Room Z119)
Learn about the Northern Lights, why there are different colors, what causes aurora, the Sun connection, and when to see them.
8:00 PM Presentations
Wonders of Webb: Exploring the Universe with JWST (Room Z102)
With the successful launch and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have explored new vistas and aspects of the Universe made possible with this remarkable instrument. Join an exploration with a new eye on the Universe.
The Past, Present, and Future of Mars (Room Z117)
Learn about the origin of Mars, its history, and its evolution. Robert will present scientific satellite and surface imagery. He will also consider Mars's future for human development.
Remote Sensing of Planetary Surfaces (Room Z119)
Remote sensing of a planetary surface entails more than just taking pretty pictures. Sensing elemental and mineralogical compositions is also very important. How is this accomplished? Come and explore some innovative technologies.
Henize Observatory – Building O
Open 8:00 – 10:30 PM
Stargazing and telescope viewing.
Note: Observing hours will depend on weather and attendance.
NSA April Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Speaker: Ahmed Reda - The Golden Age of Medieval Islamic Astronomy
Location Info
Harper College, Building Z, Room Z117. Please note: our speaker, Ahmed Reda will be presenting virtually.
Zoom Info
Northwest Suburban Astronomers is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: April Club Hybrid Meeting. Speaker: Ahmed Reda - The Golden Age of Medieval Islamic Astronomy
Time: Apr 11, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82165178809?pwd=afSIjRnLU2JydtuEFpi2jxNtSUGwhB.1
Meeting ID: 821 6517 8809
Passcode: 111011
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• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
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• +1 253 205 0468 US
Meeting ID: 821 6517 8809
Passcode: 111011
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keGttZ2omF
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/yCvEUg5yxFKFFpzj6
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/yCvEUg5yxFKFFpzj6
Organizer Contact
Paul Cepuran | NSA Member
pcepuran@gmail.com
224-558-6585
NSA March Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Speaker: Retired NASA Astronaut and Professor - Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman
Topic: MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment)
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
Zoom Info
Northwest Suburban Astronomers is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: March Club Hybrid Meeting. Speaker: Retired NASA Astronaut and Professor - Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman
Time: Mar 14, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82480947007?pwd=Gj6foGb1tqSjsaI5YFzrGzk773xbpW.1
Meeting ID: 824 8094 7007
Passcode: 088415
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• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 824 8094 7007
Passcode: 088415
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kexDkbinHS
The Barrington Area Library provides Meeting Room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
NSA February Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
How X-Ray binary star systems can be used to find the "kick" velocity of black holes when they are formed.
Speaker: Pierson Lipschultz
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
Zoom Info
Northwest Suburban Astronomers is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: February Club Hybrid Meeting. Speaker: Pierson Lipschultz
Time: Feb 7, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81612447530?pwd=DWckX4cNHQbGkWP7BOyNtU9MabDrY8.1
Meeting ID: 816 1244 7530
Passcode: 481263
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• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 816 1244 7530
Passcode: 481263
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVtWaBLD6
The Barrington Area Library provides Meeting Room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
NSA January 2025 Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Presentation Info
Speaker: Jim Plaxco
Presentation: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature
Location Info
Barrington Area Library - Zimmerman Room
Zoom Info
NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: January Club Hybrid Meeting. Speaker: Jim Plaxco
Time: Jan 10, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89142894206?pwd=DQPCRBs4mnpMtjXsXFecnRVSY3RHb4.1
Meeting ID: 891 4289 4206
Passcode: 056448
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+13126266799,,89142894206#,,,,*056448# US (Chicago)
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Dial by your location
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
Meeting ID: 891 4289 4206
Passcode: 056448
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kT1YxGyT9
The Barrington Area Library provides Meeting Room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.