New York City schools, museums, libraries, and other educational groups can request a presentation, an observing session, or a combination of both from the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA). We offer this service free of charge to schools and educational groups in the five boroughs of New York City, from October 1 – May 1 of the school year, excluding major holidays.
AAA volunteers can visit an educational facility to deliver a relevant presentation or demonstrate how to become an amateur astronomer in New York City. The number of volunteers varies based on the size of the group and activities.
If the event schedule and weather permit, AAA can set up telescopes for an observing session. Participants will gain experience using a telescope to observe solar system objects, or potentially stars. Events planned during the day could include the Sun, Moon, and Venus; evening events could include stellar and deep sky objects.
To request a visit, please email SchoolOutreach@aaa.org, providing the information listed below. An AAA Outreach Coordinator will follow up to review the details, discuss further details, and begin organizing an event. Please note: We ask that you submit your request no less than four (4) weeks in advance, so AAA has adequate time to locate volunteers.
- Name of Organization (school, museum, library, education facility)
- Contact name (you or someone organizing the event)
- Contact phone
- Contact email, if additional or different from email submission
- Age range of participants
- Number of participants
- Desired date & time, and rain date (if applicable)