This year’s solar eclipse awakened my inner stargazer. Without a telescope, however, it’s frustrating to see anything but points of light in the night sky. Enter the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas (TAS). Founded in 1955, this amateur astronomy group hosts star parties around the Metroplex most Saturday nights.
TAS Star Party
The star gazing hobbyists set up their personal telescopes at local parks and invite the public.
At the star party you’ll find several viewing scopes in place at dusk with the party really getting started at dark. Telescopes are positioned on an astronomical body of interest, and everyone is given an opportunity to look. There are even stepstools to help the youngest look through the viewfinders on the massive scopes. TAS members are friendly, fun, and knowledgeable guides. No night sky is the same, with different times of the year featuring slightly different cosmic bodies. What a great opportunity for kids to learn about the night sky and the constellations.
TAS Star Party Locations
The amateur astronomers host viewings at four locations.
Fairview Community Star Party is held on the first Saturday of each month at Sloan Creek Intermediate School (440 Country Club, Fairview). Scopes are set up at the track and field complex east of the school building. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. This star party begins a little later than the rest, at 9pm, and can last past midnight.
Frisco Starfest happens on the second Saturday of each month in Frisco Commons Park (8000 McKinney Road, Frisco). Meet near the park entrance (next to the parking lot). There are some park benches, but you can also bring your own lawn chairs. Frisco Starfest begins at dusk and finishes about 10:30 pm.
Cedar Hill Starbolt occurs on the third Saturday of each month in JW Williams Park (1605 High Pointe Lane, Cedar Hills). This viewing begins about dusk and finishes around 10 pm.
Finally, on the fourth Saturday of the month the Stars on the Rock is held at the Shores Park (2358 Shores Boulevard, Rockwall).
When You Go
Star parties occur year-round but are weather dependent … no star party on cloudy nights. Frisco Starfest and Fairview Community Star Party can be found on Facebook. The TAS calendar and TAS Facebook page can also be helpful. Star parties are come-and-go events and are free.