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Saturday, April 5, 2025
6:00 pm- 10:30 pm
On the campus of Davidson College
Come explore the wonders of astronomy and the night sky with your family and friends by joining us for the 2025 Statewide Star Party at Davidson College! As always, our events are FREE and open to the public!
Come explore the wonders of astronomy and the night sky with your family and friends by joining us for the 2025 Statewide Star Party at Davidson College! As always, our events are FREE and open to the public!
The event will begin with interactive exhibits and games in the Blanche Knox Parker Esplanade between the Dana and Watson science buildings from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The exhibits will be followed by a public lecture in Hance Auditorium at 8:00 pm and nighttime stargazing on the campus lawn from 9:00 – 10:30 pm. Feel free to stay for the entire event or spend just a short time exploring the exhibits or taking a tour of the night sky. A campus map and directions to each of these locations is below.
The event will begin with interactive exhibits and games in the Blanche Knox Parker Esplanade between the Dana and Watson science buildings from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The exhibits will be followed by a public lecture in Hance Auditorium at 8:00 pm and nighttime stargazing on the campus lawn from 9:00 – 10:30 pm. Feel free to stay for the entire event or spend just a short time exploring the exhibits or taking a tour of the night sky. A campus map and directions to each of these locations is below.
In the case of inclement weather, the exhibits and activities will be moved indoors to the Watson Life Science Building. Due to the nature of astronomy, the stargazing session can only be held if the skies are clear. Updates to the event locations and/or schedule due to weather can be found below. Please check back here before coming to the event if the weather is questionable.
In the case of inclement weather, the exhibits and activities will be moved indoors to the Watson Life Science Building. Due to the nature of astronomy, the stargazing session can only be held if the skies are clear. Updates to the event locations and/or schedule due to weather can be found below. Please check back here before coming to the event if the weather is questionable.
Activity Fair
Activity Fair
6:00 - 8:00 pmBlanche Knox Parker Esplanade(Between the Dana and Watson science buildings)
Rain location - Watson Science Building
Rain location - Watson Science Building
Public Lecture
Public Lecture
8:00 - 9:00 pmHance Auditorium(On the top floor of the Chambers Building)
Jack Howard"Are We There Yet?"
Jack Howard"Are We There Yet?"
Weather / Event Updates
Weather / Event Updates
Any updates to the event due to weather will be posted here as soon as they are available. We recommend checking for updates before you attend the event to be notified of any venue changes or stargazing cancellations due to inclement weather.
** The clouds look to be cooperating tonight! Stargazing is ON! See you on Chambers lawn at 9 pm! **
Activity Fair
Activity Fair
Featuring hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and activities designed by Davidson faculty, staff, and students, the activity fair will bring out the curiosity in kids of all ages! Join us to create your own scale model of the Solar System, explore Earth's magnetic field, role-play the motions of the Earth, and let your creativity shine as you interact with our various exhibits. While no two star party events at Davidson are ever the same, we invite you to explore some photos from past events below!
While we love your furry friends, we kindly ask that you leave all pets (except for licensed service animals) at home.
PUblic Lecture
PUblic Lecture
Jack Howard - NASA Solar System Ambassador
Are We There Yet?
Abstract: Our home planet Earth is our place in space right now. It's an average rocky planet, in a typical solar system, in the suburbs of one of many spiral galaxies. And it's the perfect place for us - the gravity, atmosphere, and temperature are all just right - since our species grew up here. So why would we consider leaving? Simply because it's in our nature to explore, and dreams of space go back centuries. Except for a few brief trips to the moon more than 50 years ago, we haven't actually gone anywhere. But that's about to change. Governments and private businesses have their eye on the Moon and some asteroids. Some are even looking ahead to Mars. But can we do it? Where can we go? And when will we get there?
About Mr. Howard: Jack Howard first became interested in astronomy and space exploration when Sputnik was launched, Echo I crossed the night sky, and the race to the Moon began. He earned a BS in physics and math at King College and a master's degree in astronomy from James Cook University. In 2000, he started the astronomy program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina, where he teaches physics and astronomy. Since then, he has shared the wonders of space and the excitement of discovery with diverse groups in the Charlotte (NC) area. Jack is a member of the Charlotte astronomy club. His main interests are solar system exploration, exoplanet research, human space flight, and cosmology.
Campus Map and Directions
Campus Map and Directions
Davidson College is located 19 miles north of Charlotte, just off Interstate 77 at Exit 30.
An interactive map showing the location of each of our three Star Party events (yellow stars) and recommended options for parking (Blue P symbols) is below.
Where you can find us
Where you can find us
Davidson College
405 N Main Street
Davidson, NC 28035
All events will be held on the campus of Davidson College. While friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on campus, we ask that you refrain from bringing your furry friend to our event.
For visitors, on-campus parking is available in Baker Sports Complex off Baker Drive. Other public parking may be available on Main Street or Concord Road. Parking areas are labeled on the College's campus map.
Questions? Reach out via email at astro@davidson.edu.
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