Events

2025 Stellafane Convention

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Many amateur astronomers gather each year to share their passion, and right at the heart of the celebration, the 2025 Stellafane Convention draws in newcomers and experts alike, inspiring the next generation under the magnificent dark skies of Vermont.

The Stellafane Convention is one of the most cherished gatherings in the amateur astronomy community, and the 2025 edition promises to be no exception. Known as “The Original Star Party,” Stellafane is celebrating its 89th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers on Breezy Hill in Springfield, Vermont, from Thursday, July 24th through Sunday, July 27th, 2025. This year’s theme, The Youth of Astronomy: The Enthusiastic Next Generation, highlights the importance of nurturing young astronomers and igniting passion for the cosmos in the next wave of stargazers.

2025 Stellafane Convention: Held Thursday - Sunday, July 24-27, 2025

Stellafane’s roots date back to 1926, when a surge of public interest in telescope making sparked the creation of the first convention. An article published in 1925 about building your own telescope became what we might now call a “viral sensation,” generating widespread excitement and demand for more knowledge. From that spark, the Stellafane Convention emerged, and nearly a century later, it continues to bring together amateur telescope makers, astronomers, and curious minds for four days of learning, camaraderie, and unforgettable night skies.

Convention Highlights

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Sekula of Queen’s University, will present “Astronomy Without Light: Revealing the Unseen Universe.” Dr. Sekula’s work takes him 1.2 miles underground to SNOLAB, where he leads research into fundamental cosmic mysteries like neutrinos and dark matter. His engaging keynote promises to illuminate these invisible aspects of the universe in a way accessible to all.

Another highlight is the Hartness House Workshop on Thursday, July 24th, themed “Eclectic Astronomy.” Attendees can look forward to a diverse slate of presentations on a wide range of topics, plus a dinner keynote by Dr. Sekula titled “Catch a Dying Star: Neutrino Astronomy and the Next Galactic Supernova,” which delves into how neutrinos can serve as an early warning system for the next Milky Way supernova.

Hands-on Activities and Observing

Nighttime at Stellafane is magical, with its rural dark skies offering some of the best observing conditions in the Northeast. The Observing Olympics challenge encourages participants to spot 15 deep sky objects using small telescopes or binoculars, earning a commemorative enameled pin.

For families, the Stellafane Family Lunar Rover Mission returns on Friday afternoon with an all-new project inspired by NASA’s upcoming CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) mission. Open to all ages, this hands-on activity involves building model rovers to navigate Stellafane’s simulated lunar terrain, introducing participants to cutting-edge space exploration concepts.

Talks, Clinics, and Workshops

Throughout Friday and Saturday, the Flanders Pavilion will host a range of daytime talks covering topics for beginners, intermediates, and advanced amateur astronomers. Topics include everything from astrophotography tips to telescope design innovations.

New this year is Rocket Science Basics, a workshop for ages 12–18 that offers teens the chance to build and launch their own rockets while learning the science behind spaceflight. This adds an exciting STEM component, perfectly aligned with this year’s youth focus.

The Telescope Clinic is another valuable resource, where attendees can bring their scopes for help with repairs or advice on use, making sure no scope goes unloved or underperforming.

Friday also features Informal Talks, where anyone can sign up to share their projects, images, or discoveries, whether serious or lighthearted. It’s a great way for the community to connect, inspire, and learn from one another.

Telescope Competition

One of Stellafane’s signature traditions is the Telescope Competition, where amateur makers enter their hand-built or modified telescopes to compete for awards in both optical and mechanical categories. Past winners, like Joe Deschene’s award-winning 100mm binoscope, remind everyone of the skill, passion, and artistry that lives within the amateur telescope-making community.

Community, Food, and Comfort

Stellafane offers a welcoming camping environment with sites for tents, small RVs, and larger rigs (with advance registration). JC’s Market & Deli will again handle food service, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Thursday evening through Sunday morning. A special Saturday dinner package (advance order required) features BBQ chicken, ribs, or vegetarian skewers, complete with sides and dessert.

Not all family members may be astronomy buffs, and that’s okay! The organizers provide a helpful guide to non-astronomy attractions in the area, ensuring everyone in your group can find something enjoyable.

Practical Details and Policies

Registration is tiered, with early rates available until June 23rd, late rates until July 20th, and higher prices at the gate. Special permits are needed for early entry on Thursday and large RVs, and all large rigs must be parked by Thursday afternoon and stay put until Sunday for safety reasons.

Attendees are encouraged to read Stellafane’s detailed policies, including its code of conduct, pet policy, drone policy, and generator use guidelines, to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable convention for all.

Lodging, Directions, and Road Closures

If you’re not camping on site, local hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds are listed on the Stellafane website. Be aware of a VT-11 road closure during the convention, detours will be in place, and the site provides separate directions for cars and large RVs. Make sure to review these before you travel.

Why Stellafane Matters

For nearly 100 years, Stellafane has served as a beacon for amateur astronomers, bringing together people from across the country (and beyond) to celebrate their shared love of the night sky. Whether you’re a beginner with binoculars or an expert with a custom-built Dobsonian, Stellafane offers a place to learn, connect, and be inspired. With its special emphasis this year on youth and next-generation enthusiasts, the 2025 convention promises to energize a whole new wave of stargazers.

If you’re passionate about the stars, or curious to become so, Stellafane 2025 is a once-a-year experience you won’t want to miss.

Dates & Pricing

Convention Dates: July 24–27, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday)
Early Registration (before June 23):
Adult (Fri–Sun): $42
Early Entry Thursday Permit: $25
Camping Permit (site): $50
Small RV Permit (<17 ft): $55
Large RV Permit (>17 ft, includes camping & Thursday): $88
Late Registration (June 23–July 20):
Adult: $55
Early Entry Thursday Permit: $25
Camping Permit: $50
Small RV Permit: $55
Large RV Permit: $88
At Gate (July 24–26):
Adult: $85
Early Entry Thursday Permit: $35
Camping Permit: $60
Small RV Permit: $65
Large RV: Not available at gate
Saturday Dinner Package (pre-order only):
Half Chicken or Half-Rack BBQ Ribs: $26.99
Tofu & Grilled Veggie Skewers: $24.99

Speakers, Events & Highlights

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Stephen Sekula (Queen’s University)
Topics: Neutrinos, Dark Matter, Supernova Early Warning
Hartness House Workshop (Thursday): Eclectic Astronomy theme, dinner keynote
Observing Olympics: Observe 15 deep sky objects, win an enamel pin
Stellafane Family Lunar Rover Mission: Friday 1–4 PM, hands-on CADRE rover activity
Daytime Talks: Friday & Saturday in Flanders Pavilion
Rocket Science Basics: Ages 12–18, hands-on workshop
Telescope Clinic: Repairs and help for your telescope
Informal Talks (Friday): Open mic for attendees to share projects or images
Telescope Competition: Optical and mechanical awards