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.
Observing
The Stellafane Convention offers excellent observing under our rural dark skies, some of the best in the Northeast. For an added challenge, take part in our Observing Olympics program - observe 15 deep sky objects in a small telescope or binoculars and win a beautiful enameled pin. Each year we have a new list of objects for you to discover and enjoy.
The Teen Robotics Program
Returns with a new project that involves learning about the mission and technology behind NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.
Daytime Talks
A wide variety of talks on astronomy topics for all levels of experience are presented in the Flanders Pavilion all day on Friday and Saturday. See the Convention Schedule for more details.
Cosmic Perspective Radio
NASA volunteer, amateur astronomer, amateur telescope maker, and radio show host Andy Poniros will be pre-recording his August radio show "Cosmic Perspective Radio" in the clubhouse on Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more information about Andy’s show you can go to wpkn.org.
The Stellafane Clubhouse is 100 years old!
The name Stellafane, originally stellar-fane, is Latin for "shrine to the stars" and was adopted by Russell Porter when the clubhouse was constructed in 1923, and completed in 1924.
That's right, this iconic structure is 100 years old and still in use for its original intended purpose as a meeting place and magnificent setting for observing. We invite you to make your way there this year, to learn about the early days of the Springfield Telescope Makers, the meaning of the name “Stellafane”, and why the clubhouse is pink. Look carefully and you will discover the telescopes that are built directly into the clubhouse walls! The historic Garden Telescope and Springfield Mount telescope, both designed by our founder Russell Porter, will also be on display during the day on Friday and Saturday in or just outside the clubhouse. Future astronomers can ask the club member on duty for a Clubhouse Scavenger Hunt children's activity and win a small prize.
The Springfield Telescope Makers have gathered right here for a century to enjoy a hearty meal together and take in the wonders of the night sky and we are thrilled to welcome and inspire our guests.
Convention Overview
Not familiar with the Stellafane Convention? This two page brochure provides an overview and brief history.
You will NOT receive a printed Convention Bulletin
with the schedule in it when you check in at the gate.
Click/Tap this box for information on how to
download to your device or print before you arrive.
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
View Program Download Info
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.
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
[Click to enlarge]
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. Try your observing skills and earn a pin for your efforts.
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
Stellafane Europa Clipper Project
For Teens age 12 to 17; Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Stellafane Teen program participants will learn about the mission and technology behind NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, scheduled to launch on October 10, 2024 and expected to arrive in orbit around Europa in 2030, ready to explore Saturn’s orbiting ocean world. Europa Clipper’s primary science goal is to remotely explore below the icy surface shell and observe the ocean beneath, which could support life. This detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the astro-biological potential of habitable worlds beyond our planet.
This will be a hands-on class where teens will work in teams to construct Europa Clipper inspired technology that will be demonstrated at the Convention.
Attendance will be first-come first-served. If you are 100% sure your teen will attend convention and want to attend this event, then you’ll need to get them on the list.
Special note: There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time! We will be working with hand tools, so please no open toed shoes (sandals, flip-flops, etc.)
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.