Wagman Observatory

Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Announces 2017’s First Spring Star Parties at Wagman Observatory

See a region of space where galaxies are found in clusters. Be dazzled by one of the largest birth places of stars. Visit the craters of the moon and view two planets in the evening sky. It’s all part of the show during the first Spring Star Parties sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes (Allegheny County) Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh.. The March – April Wagman Observatory Star Parties start 7:40 PM EDT Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. The Star Parties will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call the Wagman Observatory Phone 724-224-2510 for more information.

These star parties are opportunities for amateur astronomers, students and the general public to observe the wonders of the Spring Sky and say good-bye to some of the Winter Constellations. Visitors will have an opportunity to observe the Moon several nights before First Quarter, and the planets, Mercury and Jupiter.

Did you get a telescope recently and don’t know how to use it? Bring it along and members of the AAAP will help!

Looking to buy a telescope, accessories, star charts and books? Wagman Observatory is the place to start. We’ll have free handouts, guides and booklets to point visitors in the right direction.

For more information, updates and directions please check back here and our Facebook Page.

Media: As always during our events, we offer on-site or telephone interviews, remote broadcast and filming opportunities to the media. Regarding this upcoming Wagman Observatory Star Party and other Wagman Observatroy events please contact Tom Reiland [Obs: 724-224-2510   Home Phone number by request through Facebook, webform, & WagmanDirector@3ap.org] for scheduling. Thank you for your assistance with our educational programs.

The Wagman Observatory telephone and voicemail (724-224-2510) are restored. Thank you for your patience while the outage was rectified. The first AAAP Star Party of the 2017 Star Party Season is scheduled for March 31 at the Wagman Observatory.  The 2017 Wagman Star Party Brochure PDF file is here -Wagman_Sched_2017 and under the About tab.

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh opens its observatories to the public on the following dates and locations: Wagman Observatory on October 22nd. No reservations. No charge. No limit to group size. Just show up. Our star parties feature a rich array of celestial delights. Experience the AAAP telescopes and those of our members as they reveal our solar system and more distant objects, including galaxies and nebula.

More information: Wagman Star Parties Guide

Although admission is free, we gladly accept donations at the observatory entrance desks to cover the cost of operation. There is no smoking or alcohol permitted on our observatory grounds. Please drive slowly and carefully and be aware of pedestrians, especially children. Children must be under direct parental supervision at all times.

Our helpful and informed all volunteer staff will be happy to assist you to gain in knowledge and appreciation of the night sky. Mingo and Wagman Observatories are owned and operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, a 501(3)(c) and your donations are tax deductible.

Directions to Wagman Observatory:
The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory is located in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Observatory Phone 724-224-2510.