The 2024 Iowa Star Party will be held October 3rd to October 6th at
Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, IA,
hosted by
Ames Area Amateur Astronomers and co-sponsored by the
Des Moines Astronomical Society.
Join us for a weekend of dark skies, stargazing and conversation.
Whiterock Conservancy is blessed with some of the darkest skies in Iowa because of its location away from city lights.
It is a great place for amateur astronomers in the Midwest to set up their telescopes and enjoy the night skies.
It is also a fun place for recreation. Daytime activities available include canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching.
Registration for the Iowa Star Party is available now. You may complete the following form and use PayPal
to complete the process, or simply print and mail the form:
Registration Form
Guest Speaker
[To be announced]
Public Night - Saturday, October 5th at 5:30 PM
Participants in the Iowa Star Party don't want to keep the wonders of the night sky to themselves. They are also excited about sharing them with the public.
There will be free public viewing on Saturday, October 5th starting at 5:30 PM at the
Whiterock Conservancy Star Field. Sun sets at about 6:00 PM. Civil Twilight ends at 6:30 PM, and Astronomical Twilight ends at 7:30 PM.
After a short introduction to the night sky, members of the public are welcome
to look through various telescopes. If the weather is clear, visitors will have the chance to see galaxies, nebulas and stars
millions of light years away, as well as some of the planets in our cosmic backyard, the Solar System. All ages are welcome, and
appropriate attire for the weather, as well as a blanket, are recommended. If weather is cool, participants should dress more warmly
than they might think is needed, in order to maintain comfort.
Get Driving Directions to the Star Field below
View Larger Map