The 2025 David H. Levy Adirondack Astronomy Retreat will take place from July 20 to July 27, 2025, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. This annual event brings together amateur and professional astronomers for a week of dark-sky observing, shared learning, and time outdoors. Founded by David and Wendee Levy, the retreat offers attendees the chance to observe under some of the Northeast’s darkest skies, connect with others interested in astronomy, and enjoy a rustic, nature-focused setting.
In a remote corner of New York’s majestic Adirondack Mountains, a community of amateur and professional astronomers will gather one final time from July 20 to July 27, 2025, for what may be the last-ever David H. Levy Adirondack Astronomy Retreat (AAR). Founded by famed comet hunter David H. Levy and his wife Wendee Levy, this unique astronomy event offers a rare blend of dark-sky observing, rustic retreat living, and deep personal connections forged under the stars.
After two decades of success, AAR 2025 carries a bittersweet significance. The Twin Valleys Camp, the rustic site operated by SUNY Plattsburgh, is up for sale at the end of the summer. That means this might truly be the closing chapter for what has become a cherished tradition in northeast U.S. stargazing culture.
David and Wendee Levy conceived the Adirondack Astronomy Retreat in 2004 with the idea of creating a low-pressure, informal retreat focused on deep-sky observing. Unlike major astronomy conventions such as Stellafane, the AAR has always prioritized simplicity and connection over programming and spectacle. The site, Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center, is special to David—it’s where he spent three summers during the 1960s, and it became the perfect backdrop for a retreat that emphasized nature, solitude, and stars.
Attendees have grown to love its peaceful atmosphere, dark skies in the Bortle 2–3 range (comparable to Cherry Springs State Park), and rustic, no-frills accommodations. You sleep in log cabins equipped only with cots and a single lightbulb. Shower and bathroom facilities are shared in the main lodge, but the camaraderie and sense of being in a place untouched by light pollution more than make up for the sparse amenities.
While many star parties cram in lectures, vendor halls, and commercial distractions, the AAR stands apart. There are no vendors, few presentations, and a conscious effort to maintain a relaxed, meditative pace. Attendees are there for the skies, for the quiet, and for the rare opportunity to talk shop with David Levy himself, who has long been generous with his time, stories, and autographs.
In 2025, David will once again attend the entire weeklong retreat, marking the 31st anniversary of the famous Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts on Jupiter. He’ll be available to chat and sign memorabilia, a special draw for those who have long admired his historic contributions to amateur astronomy.
This year’s retreat promises something special for those interested in high-powered visual observing. During the second half of the retreat, the president of the North Jersey Astronomical Group (NJAG) is expected to bring his 30" Obsession telescope. Combined with the excellent transparency and low light pollution of Twin Valleys, this represents a rare chance to see deep-sky objects in extraordinary detail—globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and faint galaxies all come alive in such conditions.
Each evening, assuming clear skies, is spent observing until well past midnight. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, attendees gather inside the main lodge for informal presentations, group discussions, or simply to share stories over coffee.
AAR 2025 is not for the faint of heart or the luxury-seeking traveler. The accommodations are described with one clear word: rustic. The cabins are simple wooden structures with minimal amenities. The real joy of the retreat lies in the shared experience—staying up until 3 a.m. under the stars, waking to the sound of birds and breeze through the trees, and walking a dirt path to breakfast served in the camp’s main building.
Meals are catered and well-reviewed, starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast on departure. However, no meals are served on the interim day between the two bookable sessions, so attendees are advised to plan accordingly. The camp itself is about 40 miles from Plattsburgh, offering hotel options for those who want more comfort—but registration fees remain the same regardless of where you stay, as they are used to offset the cost of camp use.
The Twin Valleys Camp is located off Interstate 87, accessible via Exit 32. From there, drivers follow a series of small, scenic roads, ultimately turning onto Twin Valleys Lane, a dirt road that leads to the camp entrance. The website offers detailed instructions and Google Maps links to ensure attendees can find their way.
Those unfamiliar with observing in remote locations should prepare adequately. AAR veterans recommend bringing:
For a full visual preview, past retreats from 2019, 2022, and 2024 have been documented in photo galleries on the AAR website. There are also several helpful YouTube presentations and interviews, including one with David Levy himself, offering advice on what to expect and how best to prepare.
At the time of this writing, registration for AAR 2025 is officially closed. That’s not surprising, given the likelihood that this is the final year of the event. Many long-time attendees returned to ensure they didn’t miss what could be the swan song of this beloved astronomy retreat. Registration was conducted through an online form hosted by SUNY Plattsburgh, with fields for selecting sessions, meals, and accommodations.
Those who missed the opportunity this year are encouraged to follow updates on the retreat’s official Squarespace website and the North Jersey Astronomical Group’s website. Should the event ever relocate or restart at another location, it’s likely those two sources will break the news.
Over its two-decade run, the AAR has cultivated a loyal and passionate community. It’s more than just a gathering of telescope owners—it’s a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and the thrill of the night sky unmarred by civilization’s glow. While the SL-9 comet may have broken apart on its way to Jupiter, the Adirondack Astronomy Retreat has remained remarkably intact since its founding in 2004, offering a small but powerful tribute to the spirit of exploration and camaraderie that defines amateur astronomy.
If this is indeed the final year, it will be remembered not just as a week of stargazing, but as the conclusion of something rare—a true retreat from the noise of modern life into the quiet embrace of the cosmos.
Address:
1855 S Ingram Mill Rd
STE# 201
Springfield, Mo 65804
Phone: 1-844-277-3386
Fax: 417-429-2935
E-Mail: hello@scopetrader.com