Department of Physics and Astronomy

Every First Friday of the Month

First Friday Stargazing gives anyone free access to the night sky using university telescopes and teaching equipment.

Weather permitting, experienced astronomers will provide a handful of telescopes of varying designs, give training on how each operates, and point to various astronomical objects that may appear in the sky for that given time of the year. If you have a telescope and do not know how to operate it, feel free to bring it and get instruction on its use.

The Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory is located on the 4th floor of the Flawn Science Building on the UTSA Main Campus. After exiting the elevator, look for the doors to the outside star party observation deck adjacent to the observatory. The public is encouraged to park in the nearby Ximenes Ave Garage.

Due to varying times of sunset throughout the year, event start times will vary.

Every Third Friday of the Month

Friday Nights Celestial Lights is a free public venue provided during the Fall and Spring school semesters.

Physics & Astronomy faculty and staff conduct a 30-40 minute presentation on recent developments in astronomy and astrophysics followed by stargazing at the school's observatory (weather permitting). Presentations are intended to be understood by middle-school-aged children and older.

Scheduled lectures begin promptly at 7:30 pm in the Flawn Science Building lecture room 2.02.02. Stargazing commences immediately after the lecture at the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory.

Topic suggestions may be emailed to AstronomyEvents@utsa.edu.
We cannot guarantee that requested topics will be covered and reserve the right to make the final decision.

Star Parties and Astronomy Lectures

Community organizations are encouraged to email star party/astronomy lecture requests to AstronomyEvents@utsa.edu. Available dates are limited.