The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSASTRO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the nighttime sky. Our club is a member society of the Astronomical League (AL) and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

We regularly meet to observe the splendors of our dark, dry, Colorado skies. In addition to monthly observing sessions, we hold monthly membership meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Please check out the Monthly Meetings page for more info.

Our membership is diverse in age, education, occupation, astronomical experience and expertise. Some members have formal training in astronomy, but the majority are non-technical hobbyists. Many are beginners* who merely want to increase their understanding of the heavens.

Star parties are our most frequent activity where we meet at a dark sky site and observe the night sky. Typically, we schedule one official monthly star party and club meeting. However, many members get together on short notice for impromptu observing sessions throughout the month. Members are contacted for last-minute impromptu observing through our forums.

CSASTRO hosts public star parties, often in conjunction with nature education programs of the El Paso County Recreation Department. We sponsor public viewing sessions at Florissant Fossil Beds, Garden of The Gods, Mueller State Park, the Space Foundation and other local facilities. Also, we present astronomy programs for local schools and nonprofit organizations through our Outreach program.

Required: A spirit of adventure and willingness to enjoy the night skies

During June-July, we host a 4-day astronomy camp-out called Rocky Mountain Star Stare (RMSS) for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the country and abroad. CSASTRO owns 35 spectacular acres of extreme dark sky land in a valley between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges, at an altitude of 7,600 feet above sea level, outside of Gardner, Colorado. Every summer CSASTRO hosts Rocky Mountain Star Stare there, playing host to 300+ amateur and professional astronomers, family and friends for days of camping, science, astronomy, and friendship.  This property is also available to members year round to observe from.  Gardner is about a 2 hour drive Southwest from downtown Colorado Springs.

CSASTRO also hosts and administers the Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Club (EOSOC) program for the Astronomical League. This observing program is open to all Astronomical League (AL) members throughout the United States and overseas.  CSASTRO members are automatically made AL members upon signing up.

*Owning a telescope is not required for membership in CSASTRO. All we do require is a spirit of adventure and willingness to enjoy the night skies.