River Ridge Observatory Special Event Registration

The River Ridge Observatory is a seven-acre observing site located north of Lake Maumelle approximately thirty-five minutes from the I-430 highway 10 interchange in west Little Rock.  This page is where you register for any currently scheduled Special RRO Events that require limiting attendance. Directions to the site are provided upon registration.  If you have a problem please email info@caasastro.org.

The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society hosting a National Astronomy Day and Lunar observing event, Saturday, May 7th, 2022, from 4 pm to 10 pm at the River Ridge Observatory.

The event is free, but attendance will be limited to 80 people.  All ages welcome.  A link to register is below, but please don’t register until you have decided to attend as it will potentially block others from attending.  If you do register and have a change of plans, please email info@caasastro.org

Presentations and Activities:

4:00 – 6:00 Solar observing with h-alpha solar and Sunspotter scopes.4:00 – 6:00 Giant Bubbles & Stomp Rockets – observing field

4:00 – 6:00 Children’s Celestial Art Contest – Deck

4:00 – 8:00 Information Tables:

  • 2024 Solar Eclipse Display – Darcy Howard
  • Arkansas Natural Sky Association
  • UALR meteor collection

4:15 – 4:25 Welcome to the RRO & Star Party Etiquette – amphitheater

4:30 – 5:15 Novice Observer Program – classroom

5:15 – 6:00 Saving the night sky for wildlife and humans – classroom

6:00 – 7:00 Dinner and telescope show and tell, Q&A, help setting up your telescope

7:00 – 7:25 Using binoculars for sky watching, star-hopping, and the celestial scavenger hunt – amphitheater

7:30 – 7:45 Constellation tours – observing ground, deck, and parking area

7:45 – 10:00 Telescope observing, and celestial scavenger hunt

Guidelines and suggestions:

This is not a dark-sky event, as a quarter moon will be up.  Still, white flashlights, flashing shoes, and such are not allowed on the observing field and cell phone should be turned off.   You can use a white flashlight to get to and from your vehicle as parking will be on the road.  Otherwise, you probably don’t need a flashlight unless you are doing the celestial scavenger hunt.  If you think you might want a light on the observing field, bring a red flashlight or place red film (available in some arts and craft shops or auto parts stores) over a white light, or buy a small red key chain light at the event ($2.50)($5 w/neck-lanyard).

Folding chairs, ground blankets, bug spray, and warmer than you think needed clothes might prove desirable.  If you want to try your hand at the celestial scavenger hunt and have binoculars, bring them.  There will be a few binoculars for loan, first come first served.  Want help with setting up a telescope, bring it.  If you register, please plan to attend the whole event.  In any case, last entry is at 9:15.  No drugs, alcohol, or pets please.

Eats & Drinks

CAAS is not a Retail Food Establishment and you are welcome to bring your own food. However, grilled chili dogs, sausages, and fixings will be available.  Suggested donation of $6 for adults $4 for children appreciated.  Snacks and drinks will be available for sale.

 Okay, if you are ready to join in, register here.

PS to get notice of special events consider registering for our free event newsletter.  Thanks!