Observing Sites

The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association currently uses two primary observing sites for member star parties. The TAAA generally holds two regularly scheduled star parties per month, one on the dark-of-the-moon weekend at Las Cienegas (Empire Ranch) and one on the weekend before or after the new moon weekend at TIMPA.

Las Cienegas Site (Empire Ranch)

Las Cienegas is a regular club observing site used for dark site star parties. While still suffering from some light pollution from Tucson and Sierra Vista the site offers reasonably dark skies and an open horizon allowing deep sky observing and astrophotography. Travel time is about 45 minutes from central Tucson.

TIMPA Site

TIMPA is used for beginners star parties and occasional special events. The site is a compromise between being relatively close to the city and having usable dark skies. It offers skies dark enough for deep sky observing and astrophotography, and can be quite good for planetary viewing or star testing telescopes.

TAAA star parties are open to members and their invited guests. Members log in to view dates and locations of upcoming Member Star Parties on the TAAA Member Calendar.

To the Top

Credits and Disclaimers
All photographic material on this site was generated by club members and is used with permission of the copyright holder. All attempts are made to avoid improper use of copyrighted or proprietary material. Likewise we try to avoid inaccuracies or material offensive in nature. If you feel we have infringed, published inaccuracies, or material offensive in nature, please email our webmaster at webmaster [at] tucsonastronomy.org to advise us so that we may promptly address the issue.