Nebraska Star Party 2025

Posted on Monday, March 3, 2025 by RICHARD HARRIS, Executive Editor

The Nebraska Star Party (NSP) is an annual celebration of astronomy that brings together amateur and professional stargazers from all over the country. Set against the pristine night skies of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County, Nebraska, this event offers breathtaking celestial views, educational workshops, and a welcoming community for astronomy enthusiasts of all levels.

Scheduled for July 20th to July 25th, 2025, the Nebraska Star Party will once again provide a week-long journey into the wonders of the universe. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer with high-powered telescopes or a beginner eager to learn, this event is designed to be an immersive experience under one of the darkest skies in North America.

With a variety of engaging activities, including a Beginner’s Field School, guided night sky tours, astrophotography contests, and social gatherings, NSP 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting astronomy gatherings of the year. Read on to learn everything you need to know about registration, event details, guest speakers, pricing, and what to expect at this incredible stargazing festival.

How to register for Nebraska Star Party 2025

Registration for NSP 2025 is conducted online through the official Nebraska Star Party website. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure a spot and ensure access to all scheduled activities, meals, and event merchandise. There are three ways to register:

Online registration

Visit the NSP Registration Page and complete the registration form.
A $3 convenience fee applies to online credit card payments.
A confirmation email will be sent after completing the registration process, providing event details, maps, and schedules.
Click here to visit their online registration page.

Mail-in registration

Download and print the registration form from the website.
Fill out the form and mail it along with payment to:
Nebraska Star Party, Inc. PO Box 0371 Boys Town, NE 68010
Ensure the payment is received before the event to confirm participation.

Onsite registration

Onsite registration is only payable by cash or check; credit card transactions are not available.

Attendees who miss the online deadline can register in person at Boardman’s Campground during these hours: Sunday: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Monday & Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Walk-in registration is also available at Valentine High School on Wednesday from 10:00 AM - Noon.

Pricing

The Nebraska Star Party is an affordable and family-friendly event.

Note: Registration and state park permit fees are non-refundable, but meal and merchandise pre-orders can be refunded up to July 1st, 2025.

The following are estimated fees for the 2025 event (subject to minor updates):

Registration Fee: Covers access to all events, talks, and the observing field.
T-Shirts: Limited edition event T-shirts can be pre-ordered during registration.
Meals: Evening meal options are available for pre-order at $16 for adults and $12 for children. Meals are not available for purchase onsite.
Nebraska State Park Entry Permit: Required for all vehicles and can be purchased during registration.

Event highlights & activities

Beginner’s Field School

One of the standout features of the NSP is its Beginner’s Field School, designed to introduce newcomers to the fundamentals of astronomy and telescope use. The course covers:

Basics of night sky navigation
How to set up and operate a telescope
Understanding celestial objects (planets, galaxies, nebulae, and more)
Tips for astrophotography

Sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Valentine High School.

Astrophotography workshop

For those interested in capturing the beauty of the cosmos, NSP hosts a specialized astrophotography workshop led by experts. Topics include:

Choosing the right camera and equipment
Techniques for deep-sky and planetary imaging
Post-processing tips for enhancing images

Dark sky observing

Each night, the event features guided stargazing sessions where participants can use telescopes provided by the organizers or bring their own. The Merritt Reservoir area boasts a Bortle Class 1 sky, meaning it has almost no light pollution, making it one of the best locations for astronomy in the United States.

Guest speakers & presentations

Every year, NSP invites renowned astronomers, scientists, and educators to share their insights through presentations and Q&A sessions. Previous speakers have included experts from NASA, major observatories, and university research teams. The 2025 speaker lineup will be announced closer to the event.

Family & recreational activities

While the focus is on astronomy, NSP also offers a range of daytime recreational activities, including:

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Niobrara River
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing in the Nebraska Sandhills
Swimming, Boating, and Fishing at Merritt Reservoir

Children’s programs

NSP encourages young minds to explore astronomy through fun and interactive activities like:

Junior Astronomer Workshops
Night Sky Storytelling Sessions
Rocket-Building & Launch Events