2024 Stellafane Convention
The 88th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers on Breezy Hill in Springfield, Vermont,
the 2024 Stellafane Convention will be held on Thursday-Sunday, August 1st through 4th.
This year’s convention is dedicated to
All Those Who Do Astronomy Outreach
Bringing Astronomy to the Next Generation
— 2024 Convention Program Highlights —
Tony Hull
From ATM and Stellafane to Polishing Webb Mirrors
Convention Keynote by Tony Hull
Tony Hull of the University of New Mexico supervised the polishing of the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors, will briefly talk about his connection to Stellafane and the world of Amateur Telescope Making as a young man, then emphasize his intimate path directing the polishing of the Webb's Mirrors and the other challenges of the making of Webb.
The Hartness House Workshop will be held on Thursday, August 1st
This year's theme is Eclectic Astronomy III. Keynote talk: "Beauty and Discovery with Webb" by Tony Hull, University of New Mexico.
The Teen Robotics Program
Returns with a new project that involves landing a robotic spacecraft on solar system body without an atmosphere.
The Stellafane Clubhouse is 100 years old!
There will be special events to celebrate this milestone.
Check back later for a listing.
Convention Overview
Not familiar with the Stellafane Convention? This two page brochure provides an overview and brief history.
Convention Program & Schedule
A great selection of speakers, workshops, demonstrations and events for every level: children, beginners, intermediate and
advanced amateur astronomers. Lists all scheduled events and times at convention.
View the Program & Schedule
Convention Registration: Purchase Tickets & Add-Ons
You can register to attend the 2024 Convention, the Hartness House Workshop, order Saturday Dinner Packages and/or make a Donation here.
Register to Attend Convention and/or The Hartness House Workshop
Hartness House Workshop
The Hartness House Workshop will be held on Thursday, August 1st. The theme of the event this year will be: "Eclectic Astronomy III", meaning the Workshop will offer a broad spectrum of interesting individual talks. The slate for the day will be a heterogeneous collection of high-quality presentations, on a variety of astronomical subjects, with the usual opportunity to mingle with the speakers and other attendees at the historic Hartness House Inn. As usual, the Hartness/Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making will be open during the day.
The dinner session keynote address will be "Beauty and Discovery with Webb" by Tony Hull, University of New Mexico, who supervised the
polishing of the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors, will talk about the images that Webb has been bringing to the world since its commissioning.
See more complete Hartness House Workshop info
Register for the Hartness House Workshop using
the Convention Registration link above.
Friday Informal Talks
The Friday Informal Talks are always a lot of fun, and any convention
attendee can sign up to make a short presentation, serious or not. Show off what you just built,
show off your great astro-images, tell us about a new technique you are using when observing.
Sign Up to Give an Informal Talk
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Telescope Competition
If you plan to enter a telescope in the Optical and/or Mechanical Competition, this page will provide the information you need and
allow you to register your telescope.
Enter Your Telescope
Observing Olympics
A challenge to observe at least 15 deep sky objects, accessible in small to large amateur telescopes or binoculars.
This year's Observing Olympics has fun new lists of objects to search for and learn about.
See the Observing Olympics Details
Teen Robotics Program
For Teens age 12 to 17. This will be a hands-on class where the group will work in teams to construct robotic technology that will be demonstrated at the Convention. This years project will involve landing a spacecraft on a solar system object that does not have an atmosphere.
Attendance will be first-come first-served. There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time! We will be working with tools,
so closed toe shoes are required, no flip-flops or open sandals.
Sign up for the Teen Robotics Program
Sun, Moon & Twilight Data View
When is Astronomical Twilight during convention? When does the sun set and the moon rise? Click to find out.
General Information
This page contains information about the convention that does not fit in elsewhere. Check this page for answers to any questions you may have.
Goto the General Information Page
at the 2023 Convention
Photo by Time Roske
[Click to enlarge]
Convention Policies
This page contains convention policies which we have established to insure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of convention by all who
attend. In particular, please read the Refund Policy and the Stellafane Convention Code of Conduct.
Please familiarize yourself with these policies, so that you too will have a safe and enjoyable convention.
View Convention Policies
Lodging & Campgrounds
If you are not camping at Stellafane, you will need some place to stay. Here is a listing of Motels, Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Campgrounds in the area.
View our Lodging & Campground list
Directions & Maps
Need to know how to get to Stellafane? Here are written directions and a map for after you get off the Interstate.
We also have a site map of the convention area. See also Local Airport Information.
View Directions & Maps
Food Service
We are using the same vendor as the past few years: JC’s Market & Deli of North Springfield.
A dinner menu from the grill will be available starting Thursday late afternoon / early evening along with salads, fruit and snack items. Breakfast (from 6 AM), lunch, and dinner (from 5 PM) will be available Friday and Saturday and Breakfast will be available on Sunday morning.
Both Thursday, Friday & Saturday night home-cooked dinner options will also be offered al-la-carte at the cook shack:
NEW THIS YEAR: Dinner @ the Shack: Available for lunch or dinner each day: Choice of steak, chicken or pork with potatoes & veggies.
In addition to the a-la-carte selections available at the times above, an optional pre-ordered complete dinner will be available Saturday evening starting at 4:30 which must be ordered in advance with your registration. There is a choice of Half Chicken or Half-Rack of BBQ Ribs, and both meals include baked potato with toppings, corn, dinner roll, a drink (water or soda), and strawberry shortcake for $26.99
Bags of Ice will also be available for your cooler.