MSRAL 2025 registration opens

The Mid States Region of the Astronomical League (MSRAL) will hold its annual 2025 conference from Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Hosted on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock), this event brings together both amateur and professional astronomers for three days of presentations, workshops, social gatherings, and hands-on learning. The organizing committee emphasizes a thoughtful balance between technical and conceptual content, and between inspiration and practical guidance, ensuring a rich and inclusive experience for all attendees.

MSRAL 2025 registration opens - June 13, 14, 15

The conference officially begins Friday afternoon with registration starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Donaghey Student Center on the UA Little Rock campus. This center serves as the primary hub for the weekend's activities and is located conveniently in midtown Little Rock. Following registration, at 6:00 p.m., attendees will convene at Two Rivers Park, located at 6722 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR 72223, for an informal dinner and community gathering. The meal will be provided by a food truck vendor on-site, with costs varying depending on selection and paid directly to the vendor at the time of service. After the meal, at 7:30 p.m., interested participants are invited to the River Ridge Observatory (RRO) located at 45 West South Ridge Road, Bigelow, AR 72016. This observatory visit, contingent on weather and interest, offers a compelling opportunity to explore local astronomical infrastructure and observe the night sky in a rural setting away from city lights.

On Saturday, the conference returns to the Donaghey Student Center for a full schedule of events. Doors open early, with registration available from 7:45 a.m., and the regional business meeting commencing at 8:00 a.m. This administrative session is followed by a comprehensive lineup of lectures, demonstrations, and keynote addresses running throughout the day. The range of presentations is both wide and deep, showcasing the breadth of the astronomical community’s interests.

A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address delivered by Dr. William I. Hartkopf, a retired astronomer from the U.S. Naval Observatory. Dr. Hartkopf will present a retrospective on the 195-year history of the Observatory and revisit the significance of its 26-inch Alvin-Clark refractor telescope, a scientific instrument with a 125-year legacy of service to both astronomical science and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Another highly anticipated speaker is Dr. Linda Spilker, current Director of NASA’s Voyager Program. Dr. Spilker will provide a detailed overview of the Voyager spacecraft, recounting past and current discoveries made possible through these long-serving deep space missions. Dr. Brian Fields, professor of astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will discuss the consequences of a supernova occurring in the Earth’s astronomical neighborhood, exploring implications for life on our planet and what cosmic signatures such an event might leave behind.

The conference will also feature numerous talks from dedicated amateur astronomers and makers. Bill Engberg and John Reed will speak about their collaborative restoration of a 24-inch Dobsonian telescope originally built by Bill and his father, converting it into a modern GoTo instrument. Darcy Howard and Carl Freyaldenhoven will recount their public outreach efforts for the 2024 total solar eclipse, highlighting how they educated communities across Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Mississippi about eclipse science and safe viewing practices.

Eliott Neal will bring a blend of science and artistic design to the program with his presentation on building a Russell Porter Garden Scope. Porter, whose work was foundational to the Stellafane Star Party and telescope making tradition in the United States, inspired Neal to create a unique, functioning telescope that is as visually stunning as it is scientifically functional. Neal will also exhibit the scope during his talk, allowing attendees a close-up look at the craftsmanship involved.

Other notable speakers include Bruce McMath, a longtime variable star observer and member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), and Doug Wilson, who will present on the Robotic Research Telescope (RRT). The RRT is a collaboration between the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society and Arkansas Tech University and specializes in the observation of exoplanet transits using a 17-inch instrument housed at the River Ridge Observatory.

The conference concludes on Sunday with a series of workshops tailored to practical, hands-on astronomy. Topics include current trends in astrophotography and image processing, quantitative photometry using CMOS cameras for variable star and exoplanet studies, and the growing role of smart telescopes in public outreach and education. These sessions are intended to provide attendees with actionable skills and knowledge that they can apply in their own observational work or public engagement efforts.

The cost of conference registration is $60 per person. This fee covers access to all presentations, talks, and workshops from Friday through Sunday but does not include meals. Attendees interested in the Saturday night banquet can purchase a separate banquet ticket for $30. The banquet will be held at the Donaghey Student Center and will feature a barbeque dinner with beef and pork, potato salad, cole slaw, dessert, and beverages. A commemorative cake will also be served in honor of MSRAL’s 75th anniversary. While the banquet is not required to attend the keynote speech, it may offer attendees better seating and an enhanced social experience.

Registration and payment for both the conference and the banquet are handled through Zeffy, a fundraising platform that allows 100% of contributions to go directly toward the conference mission. Zeffy includes an optional tip in its transaction process, but this tip is voluntary and can be adjusted or removed by the registrant.

As for meals on Saturday outside of the banquet, lunch will not be provided by the event. Organizers opted out of a catering arrangement due to cost considerations. Fortunately, the UA Little Rock campus is surrounded by a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance, giving attendees flexible dining options.

Lodging for the conference is not centrally coordinated, and no group rates have been secured. However, several nearby hotels are recommended by the organizers. These include the Garden Inn & Suites Little Rock Medical Center, Guest Inn & Suites - Midtown Medical Center, Delta Hotels Little Rock West, Courtyard Little Rock West, and Days Inn by Wyndham Little Rock/Medical Center. Attendees are encouraged to explore accommodations independently and make arrangements that suit their personal preferences and budget.

Parking on campus is available but somewhat limited. The main parking deck at UA Little Rock offers ample space and charges a $1.00 exit fee, payable in bills or coins. Visitors may also find limited surface parking available in designated visitor zones.

In addition to the conference itself, Little Rock offers several cultural and recreational attractions that may be of interest to visitors attending the event. The Clinton Presidential Library in downtown Little Rock features a replica Oval Office, theater, and dynamic exhibits related to President Bill Clinton’s time in office. Heifer Village, another nearby attraction, offers interactive educational exhibits focused on sustainable development and global hunger relief. For those interested in art and culture, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts presents a world-class collection of visual and performing arts. Science enthusiasts may enjoy the Museum of Discovery, a hands-on science center located in the River Market district.

Baseball fans can catch a game on Friday evening as the Arkansas Travelers face off against the Tulsa Drillers at Dickey-Stephens Park. For a relaxing way to explore downtown, visitors might hop aboard the River Rail Electric Street Car Trolley, which tours both downtown Little Rock and the Argenta district in North Little Rock. The River Market itself is a hub for international cuisine and local art, making it a vibrant destination for pre- or post-conference leisure.

Overall, the 2025 Mid States Region of the Astronomical League Conference promises to be an engaging and multifaceted event. With its diverse lineup of speakers, balance of amateur and professional content, and thoughtful inclusion of hands-on workshops, the event caters to astronomers of all experience levels. Attendees will gain insight into both historical and cutting-edge astronomical research, meet fellow enthusiasts, and have opportunities to participate in meaningful discussions and technical sessions. The conference also provides a platform for learning, inspiration, and community building—cornerstones of the Astronomical League’s ongoing mission to promote the science of astronomy across the central United States. Whether you’re an educator, researcher, hobbyist, or first-time observer, MSRAL 2025 offers something for everyone who looks up at the night sky with wonder and curiosity.

Event Overview: 2025 Conference of the Mid States Region of the Astronomical League

• Event Name: Mid States Region of the Astronomical League (MSRAL) 2025 Conference
• Dates: Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15, 2025
• Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
• Theme: Balance between amateur and professional presentations, inspiration and education
• Audience: Amateur astronomers, professionals, educators, students, and the general public
   

Location & Venues

Main Venue:

• Donaghey Student Center
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock), Midtown Little Rock
   

Friday Meetup Location:

• Two Rivers Park
• 6722 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR 72223
   

Observatory Visit (Friday Night):

• River Ridge Observatory (RRO)
• 45 West South Ridge Road, Bigelow, AR 72016
   

Registration & Pricing

• General Admission: $60 per person | Covers all events from Friday to Sunday | Meals not included
• Saturday Banquet: $30 per person | BBQ dinner, drinks, dessert, and 75th anniversary cake
• Not required for keynote access but may offer better seating
• Registration Platform: Zeffy
• 100% of your payment goes to MSRAL
• Optional tip included in checkout (can be removed)

Meal Information

Friday Night Meal:

• Provided by food truck at Two Rivers Park
• Pay vendor directly, prices vary
   

Saturday Lunch:

• No on-site catering
• Multiple restaurants are within walking distance of the campus
   

Saturday Banquet (Optional):

• Beef and pork barbeque
• Potato salad, cole slaw, dessert, beverages
• Held at Donaghey Student Center
• Cost: $30
   

Lodging Options

• No discounted hotel blocks available
• Suggested nearby hotels include:
• Garden Inn & Suites Little Rock Medical Center
• Guest Inn & Suites – Midtown Medical Center
• Delta Hotels Little Rock West
• Courtyard Little Rock West
• Days Inn by Wyndham Little Rock/Medical Center
   

Parking Information

• Limited surface visitor parking available on campus
• UA Little Rock parking deck:
• Ample space
• $1.00 exit fee (paid by bill or coin)
   

Featured speakers

Dr. William I. Hartkopf - Keynote Speaker

• Retired U.S. Naval Observatory astronomer
• History of the USNO and the 26-inch Alvin-Clark refractor
   

Dr. Linda Spilker

• NASA Voyager Program Director
• Overview of Voyager missions and discoveries
   

Dr. Brian Fields

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Consequences of a nearby supernova explosion
   

Eliott Neal

• Architect and telescope builder
• Design and construction of a Russell Porter Garden Scope

Bill Engberg and John Reed

• Restoration of a 24-inch Dobsonian GoTo telescope
   

Darcy Howard and Carl Freyaldenhoven

• Solar eclipse outreach and safety education from the 2024 eclipse
   

Bruce McMath

• AAVSO member
• Past, present, and future of variable star observing
   

Doug Wilson

• Central Arkansas Astronomical Society
• Robotic Research Telescope and exoplanet transit work
   

Workshops (Sunday)

• Trends in Astrophotography and Image Processing
• Quantitative Photometry with CMOS Cameras
• Smart Telescopes for Astronomy Outreach
   

Event Schedule

Friday, June 13

• 4:00 PM – Registration opens at Donaghey Student Center
• 6:00 PM – Food truck dinner at Two Rivers Park
• 7:30 PM – Observatory tour at River Ridge Observatory (weather permitting)
   

Saturday, June 14

• 7:45 AM – Registration
• 8:00–8:45 AM – Regional Business Meeting
• 9:00 AM to evening – Presentations and talks
• Evening – Banquet and keynote address
   

Sunday, June 15- Morning workshops:

• Astrophotography trends
• Photometry with CMOS
• Smart telescope outreach
   

Local Attractions in Little Rock

• Clinton Presidential Library: Replica Oval Office, presidential limo, rotating exhibits
• Heifer Village: Educational exhibits on global poverty and sustainability
• Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts: International art collection and live performances
• Museum of Discovery: Hands-on science exhibits in the River Market District
• Arkansas Travelers Baseball: Game vs. Tulsa Drillers, Friday June 13 at Dickey-Stephens Park
• River Market: Global cuisine, artisan vendors, cultural hub
• River Rail Electric Street Car Trolley: Downtown and North Little Rock tours
   

Conference Highlights

• 75th Anniversary Celebration of MSRAL
• Keynote from renowned Naval Observatory astronomer
• Diverse speaker lineup from NASA, universities, and amateur astronomers
• Observatory visit and telescope showcase
• Workshops on imaging, photometry, and outreach tools
• Networking opportunities with astronomers of all levels
   

Register for MSRAL 2025