NEAF 2025

The 34th Annual Northeast Astronomy Forum & Space Expo (NEAF) will take place on April 5-6, 2025, at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. Recognized as the world’s largest astronomy and space expo, NEAF spans 90,000 square feet, featuring workshops, theater presentations, planetarium shows, solar viewing, and activities for all ages. Vendors and visitors can purchase tickets online or at the door, with options including one-day passes, two-day passes, and a souvenir package.

NEAF 2025: A hub for astronomical innovation

NEAF is located on the RCC State University of New York campus at 145 College Road, just 30 minutes north of New York City. The venue is accessible by car via the Palisades Parkway and New York State Thruway (Exit 14B). Public transportation options include trains from Penn Station or buses from Port Authority to Suffern, with taxis or rideshares covering the short distance to the campus. For air travelers, Newark Liberty International Airport offers the most convenient route.

The event offers free parking, with designated lots and accommodations for campers (no hook-ups). Nearby hotels such as the Crowne Plaza Suffern and Fairfield Inn provide overnight options. NEAF is 100% handicap-accessible, ensuring ease of navigation for all attendees.

Food options include a snack bar, sit-down café, and local restaurants. On-site amenities also include an ATM, wristbands for reentry, and strict security to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. While service animals are welcome, pets are not permitted. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the state-run college campus.

Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of activities, including beginners' classes, a kids’ astro-STEM project, raffles, door prizes, and world-class speakers. Photography is permitted in most areas but restricted in theaters and VIP sections. Tickets purchased online require a receipt for entry at the advanced sales counter. All sales are final, with no refunds for unused tickets or inclement weather.

NEAF 2025 schedule, speakers, eateries, and hosts

• NEAF 2025 Schedule: Pending
• Northeast Pro/Am Conference (NPAC): NPAC offers free walk-in classes to learn and participate in professional-level science research. Amateurs and professionals collaborate on ongoing projects.
• Hosts: Dennis Conti | Founder & Leader of AAVSO’s Exoplanet Section. AAVSO Board Member.
• Raffle prizes: New prizes added weekly!
• Just added speaker: Sara Seager | MIT Professor and 2024 Kavli Prize Recipient. Searching for Life Beyond Earth.

Saturday, April 5th

• 12:00–1:00 PM | Dr. Ariel Graykowski | The Prevalence of the Unistellar Network in Citizen Astronomy
• 1:15–2:15 PM | Roxanne Karmin (IOTA) | Catching a Shadow from Beyond Neptune
• 2:30–3:30 PM | Dr. Dennis Conti (AAVSO) | Helping the Pros Find the Next Earth 2.0
   

Sunday, April 6th

• 12:00–1:00 PM | Dr. Emily Howard | The Role of Dark Matter in Galaxy Formation
• 1:15–2:15 PM | Dr. Michael Wright | The Future of Space Exploration: Missions Beyond the Solar System
• 2:30–3:30 PM | Dr. John Larkin | Exploring Exoplanets with the James Webb Space Telescope
   

Local eateries: All locations within 10–15 minutes of NEAF

• AJ’s Sushi (6 min) | 8 N Airmont Rd, Suffern, NY
• State Line Diner (13 min) | 375 Rt 17 North, Mahwah, NJ
• DaNina’s (8 min) | 1 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY
• Curley’s Corner (8 min) | 84 Orange Ave, Suffern, NY
• Hacienda Don Manuel (8 min) | 72 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY
• Rhodes Tavern North (15 min) | 40 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY
• Sushi Bada (8 min) | 74 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY
• Additional options: Mt Ivy Diner, Jade Bistro, RP Prime Steak House, Mason Jar, Prime No. 7 Korean BBQ, Imperial Dynasty, Tequila Sal Y Limon, Agave, Sutter’s Mill, Peppercrust Steakhouse, and Look See.
   

NEAF 2025 dates and times:

• Saturday, April 5, 2025: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Sunday, April 6, 2025: 10 AM – 5 PM
   

Ticket options:

• 1-Day Pass (Saturday or Sunday): $38
• 2-Day General Admission: $69
• 2-Day Pass + Souvenir Package (T-shirt, 20-page program, coffee mug): $99
• Online tickets: Not mailed; bring a receipt to the advanced sales window for admission.
• Tickets available at the door: Same price as online.
   

Parking:

• Free unlimited parking
• Two lots available: upper and lower parking areas.
   

Food:

• Snack bar and sit-down café available on-site.
• Local restaurants nearby for evening dining.
   

Hotels:

• Crowne Plaza Suffern (2.6 miles) – Use reservation code NEA
• DoubleTree by Hilton (6.8 miles)
• Hampton Inn (7.5 miles)
• Tapa Hotel (7.2 miles, pet-friendly)
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott (6.8 miles)
   

Handicap access:

• All areas are 100% handicap accessible.
• Handicap parking available close to the entrance.
   

Campers:

• Campers welcome (no hook-ups).
• Park in the lower parking lot closest to the Viola Rd entrance.
   

Raffles and door prizes:

• Raffle prizes sent to winners.
• Door prizes: Must be present to claim; unclaimed door prizes will be forfeited.
   

Refund policy:

• No refunds for online or unused tickets.
   

Children:

• Children welcome with activities like planetarium shows and crafts.
• Parents or guardians must supervise children at all times.
   

Travel options:

• By Car: From NYC, take Palisades Parkway to Exit 9W, then NY State Thruway West to Exit 14B, follow signs.
• Train: Take a train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then take NJ Transit or MetroNorth to Suffern, NY.
• Bus: Coach USA/Shortline bus to Suffern, NY; campus is about 4 miles from train/bus station (10-minute drive).
• By Air: Fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), then drive 46 miles (approx. 49 minutes) via Garden State Parkway and NY State Thruway.
   

Pets:

• Only service animals allowed on-site.
   

ATMs:

• ATM located on the 2nd floor outside the main theater.
   

Smoking:

• NEAF is on a smoke-free state-run campus. Smoking and vaping are prohibited.
   

Wristbands:

• Wristbands issued at ticketing area; required for reentry.
• Lost or removed wristbands must be replaced at full cost of admission.
   

Entry and security:

• Entrance is through the main ticketing area on the second floor of the Arena.
• Wristbands must be worn at all times; security will stop anyone not entering through the ticketing area.
   

Alcohol:

• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed or sold at the show.
   

Weather:

• Event will be held regardless of weather conditions.
• No rain or snow date; tickets are non-refundable.
   

Photography:

• Photography and video are allowed in the Arena but prohibited in the main theater and VIP areas (no flash photography or video).
   

Prohibited Items:

• Drugs, alcohol, firearms, and concealed weapons are prohibited. Security may confiscate these items and remove violators from the event.

What to do and see at NEAF 2025

The Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) 2025 is set to take place at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. This annual event is a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities, exhibits, and learning opportunities across an expansive 90,000-square-foot showroom. Visitors will find over 120 vendors and manufacturers from around the world, showcasing the latest telescopes, equipment, and accessories. Every major manufacturer in the field is represented, making it the largest shopping opportunity for astronomy gear globally.

NEAF Talks will feature leading figures in space and astronomy, with speakers who are shaping the future of science. The Northeast Pro/Am Conference (NPAC) will run alongside NEAF, fostering collaboration between professional astronomers and advanced amateurs on real research projects.

Attendees can enjoy planetarium shows running throughout the weekend in two domes, offering engaging programs for both adults and children. All-day solar viewing will be available, providing safe opportunities to observe sunspots, solar flares, and prominences through specialized telescopes. Experts from the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project will be on hand to discuss solar science and equipment.

Exciting raffles and door prizes will take place, with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the club booth, with the grand raffle drawn on Sunday at 6 p.m. Hourly door prizes will also be awarded, which must be claimed on the day of the drawing.

The NASA News Center will provide the latest updates on missions, events, and news, along with a chance to meet NASA guest speakers and purchase photographs of recent Kennedy Space Center launches. Live radio broadcasts by WPKN will bring attendees closer to the action, featuring interviews with speakers and appearances by radio host Andy Poniros.

Educational opportunities include informal lectures, where attendees can submit papers for presentation, and beginners’ classes on selecting and using telescopes. Astronomy 101 workshops will provide foundational knowledge on stargazing, with sessions held each morning in the Fieldhouse Galaxy Theater. Mirror-making demonstrations by the Springfield Telescope Makers will showcase the craftsmanship of creating telescope mirrors, along with updates on the Stellafane convention.

NEAF 2025 will also emphasize STEM education with activities for children and workshops for teachers and educators. Visitors can stop by the Lowell Observatory booth to learn about the latest research and programs from astronomers.

For convenience, the event will include on-site dining options. The Fieldhouse snack bar will offer quick refreshments, while the Astro Café near the main theater lobby will provide sit-down meals.

Recap of what to do and see at NEAF 2025:

• Location: Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
• Showroom: 90,000 square feet with 120+ vendors and manufacturers
• Talks: Presentations by leading figures in space and astronomy
• Pro/Am Conference: Professional and amateur collaborations on research
• Planetarium Shows: Two domes with programs for all ages
• Solar Viewing: Safe observation of solar phenomena and expert guidance
• Raffles and Door Prizes: Thousands of dollars in prizes, hourly drawings
• NASA News Center: Updates, guest speakers, and launch photographs
• Live Radio: WPKN broadcasts with interviews and live discussions
• Workshops: Beginners’ classes on telescopes and Astronomy 101 sessions
• Mirror Making: Demonstrations by the Springfield Telescope Makers
• STEM Activities: Programs for kids and workshops for educators
• Lowell Observatory Booth: Insights from astronomers and ongoing research
• Dining: Fieldhouse snack bar and Astro Café on site
   

NEAF 2025 speakers

NEAF 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers and hosts from the fields of astronomy, aerospace, and planetary science. These individuals bring unparalleled expertise and contributions to the advancement of space exploration and science. Below is a condensed summary of the speaker details and their accomplishments.

Gerry Griffin, former NASA Flight Director and Johnson Space Center Director, will discuss historical and future space activities, including government and commercial initiatives. Griffin was pivotal in guiding NASA missions during the Apollo Program and served as a key figure in mission planning and control.

Eileen Collins, the first female Space Shuttle pilot and commander, will share her experiences in aviation and space exploration. Collins played a crucial role in returning the Space Shuttle to flight after the Columbia disaster and has inspired many as a pioneer in aerospace leadership.

Robert "Hoot" Gibson, retired NASA astronaut and test pilot, will recount his experiences across five Space Shuttle missions, including commanding the first Shuttle-Mir docking. Gibson has been honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Tom Mulder, a Boeing Technical Fellow, will discuss his contributions to spacecraft design, including his work on the CST-100 Starliner. Mulder’s expertise spans mission design, autonomous rendezvous technologies, and GN&C systems for advanced space missions.

Bob Pappalardo, Europa Clipper Mission Project Scientist at JPL, will present updates on the mission to explore Jupiter's moon Europa. Pappalardo has played a vital role in planetary science, particularly in planning and executing imaging studies of Jovian moons.

Sara Seager, astrophysicist and 2024 Kavli Prize recipient, will highlight her groundbreaking work in exoplanet detection and atmospheric characterization. Her contributions have advanced the search for habitable planets beyond our solar system.

Jamie Rankin, a research scientist in heliophysics, will discuss insights from NASA's Voyager probes, the longest-operating interstellar spacecraft. Rankin’s work focuses on energetic particles and plasma dynamics in space.

The event will be hosted by Emmy-nominated meteorologist Joe Rao and Vince Coulehan, who serves as the NEAF Talks Master of Ceremonies.

Recap of NEAF 2025 speakers:

• Gerry Griffin: Former NASA Flight Director, Apollo Program, and JSC Director.
• Eileen Collins: First female Space Shuttle pilot and commander.
• Robert "Hoot" Gibson: Five Space Shuttle missions, astronaut hall of fame inductee.
• Tom Mulder: Boeing CST-100 Starliner design and mission expert.
• Bob Pappalardo: Europa Clipper Project Scientist, planetary imaging specialist.
• Sara Seager: Exoplanet researcher and 2024 Kavli Prize laureate.
• Jamie Rankin: Voyager mission scientist, plasma and particle researcher.
• Joe Rao: Emmy-nominated meteorologist, event host.
• Vince Coulehan: NEAF Talks Master of Ceremonies.
   

NEAF continues to set the standard for astronomy expos, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. For additional details and updates, visit ScopeTrader’s page for authoritative information.

Last years live stream at NEAF 2024