Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society

Welcome to CHAOS

Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society

We cater to all levels of astronomy fans, so if you’re only a beginner, that’s all right–read on.

Upcoming Events

EventDate Details
Monthly Club Meeting via ZoomTuesday, March 14, 7:00 pmThis month speakers are Walter Fowler and Randy Young. Their topic will be “Solar Eclipses.” Join us for a great talk.
The Zoom link is here.
Monthly Skywatching at Staunton River State ParkSaturday, February 18
7:00-9:00 pm
Skywatching at this
Virginia State Park with CHAOS.
For more information and future monthly dates, please check here.
Staunton River Spring Star PartyMarch 20-26Join us for the Spring Star Party at Staunton River State Park.
Registration is OPEN. Go HERE.
Little River Public SkywatchingFriday,
March 24
8:00-10:00
Public Skywatching with Morehead Planetarium & Science Center at Little River Regional Park. For more information, check HERE.
Observing at Washington Duke Inn, Durham, NCEvery Saturday
8:00-9:30 pm
(weather permitting)
Back in action.
Contact Jayme Hanzak (spacenuut@gmail.com) if you are able to attend.
NC Statewide Star PartyApril 21-22The 11th annual NC Star Party. The 2023 theme is “Celebrating the Night Sky.”
Thirty-five sites for skywatching and astronomy activities across the state. For more information, look here.
Learning Outside Observing Session (Private)POSTPONED TO SPRINGThis is our third event with Learning Outside. The event is usually well-attended with about 30 adults and children. The address is Jones Ferry Road, Chapel Hill. Astronomers are welcome to join and share the wonders of the skies. This event is NOT open to the public.
Staunton River Fall Star PartyOctober 9 – 15Stay tuned for more info.

Schedule a Skywatch

Are you a teacher? Scout Leader? We offer skywatch sessions, free of charge, for any educational purpose.We’ll bring one or more telescopes, depending on the size of the crowd. All…

Telescope Buying Guide

Do you want to buy a telescope, but don’t know where to start? You might consider using a pair of binoculars first, to become acquainted with the night sky. You…

What’s in the Sky Tonight

Looking West, where the Sun set earlier, the bright object low in the sky is Venus. The bright star in the South is Sirius, and above it, and almost straight overhead,…

Latest Events and News

Star Party Experience

Read about one person’s stellar experience at Staunton River Park, and how she ended up connecting with CHAOS and the star party.

President’s Message

Season Greeting CHAOS! I hope everyone has had a good holiday season. As we come to the end of another year, I want to thank everyone for helping to make…

Star Party Status

We had an amazing October Star party. One hundred ten folks came to Staunton River State Park to enjoy the dark skies and the park didn’t hide them from us….

Welcome to the New Website

We hope you’ll look around. Is there something we’re missing that you’d like to see? Please post your feedback, questions, etc. to our new email server, chaosastro.groups.io. If you were…