76th Annual MSRAL Convention: June 2026 Astronomy Event in St. Charles

Mid-States Region Astronomical League Announces 76th Annual Conference in Missouri

The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri will host the 76th Annual Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League Convention, bringing together amateur and professional astronomers from across the region for a three-day event focused on education, collaboration, and hands-on astronomy experiences.

Where is the 76th Annual MSRAL Convention

The convention will take place June 26 through June 28, 2026, across multiple venues in St. Charles County, Missouri. Attendees can expect a full program of expert presentations, workshops, youth-focused programming, astrophotography competitions, and public observing opportunities.

Event Schedule

The event begins Friday evening with a StarBQ social gathering at Broemmelsiek Park Visitor Center, followed by telescope observing at the Broemmelsiek Astronomy Site. Saturday’s main conference activities will be held at St. Charles Community College and will include a full day of presentations, exhibits, and networking, along with a banquet and keynote speaker in the evening. The convention concludes Sunday at the Weldon Spring Interpretive Center with additional sessions and youth programming.

Registration

Registration is open to the public. General admission is 65 dollars, with an early bird rate of 55 dollars available through April 30, 2026. Youth admission is 30 dollars, with an early bird rate of 25 dollars. Student pricing options are also available. Optional meals include the Friday StarBQ, Saturday lunch, and the Saturday evening banquet, which can be added during registration.

Workshops and Presenters

The convention will feature a range of speakers from across the astronomy community. Scheduled presenters include Lowell Grissom speaking on the legacy of Gus Grissom, Dr. Erika Gibb discussing comets and the origins of the solar system, Steven Bellavia presenting on the Vera Rubin Observatory, and Dr. Michael Krawczynski exploring lunar geology. Additional speakers will be selected through an open call for presentations.

Workshops and presentations will cover topics such as observational astronomy, astrophotography, instrumentation, and public outreach. Organizers are encouraging participation from amateur astronomers, educators, and researchers, with presentation submissions open through May 1, 2026.

Youth Engagement This Year

A major focus of the 2026 convention is youth engagement. The event includes discounted registration for students and young astronomers and will feature a youth panel discussion highlighting the next generation of astronomy enthusiasts. Organizers are also exploring sponsorship opportunities to support youth attendance.

The convention will host an astrophotography and art competition with categories including deep sky imaging, solar system imaging, wide field photography, smart telescope imaging, and astronomical art and sketching. A dedicated youth category will also be included, with awards presented by the Astronomical League.

The Mid-States Region Astronomical League represents astronomy clubs and individuals across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, and surrounding states. The annual convention serves as a regional gathering point for sharing knowledge, building community, and promoting public interest in astronomy.

The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing astronomy education and public outreach throughout the region.