Program Themes and Resources
Promoting the telescope and "star parties" using themes is an excellent way to boost interest in the library telescope program.
Program Themes
2025 KEY EVENTS
Themed events can spark interest in the library telescope program.
April: Citizen Science Month
April 21 – 28: International Dark Sky Week
May 3: Astronomy Day
April 28 - May 3: Astronomy Week
September 27: Astronomy Day
September 22 – 28: Astronomy Week
September 28 – October 4: Intl Library Telescope Week
October 4: International Observe the Moon Night
Program Resources
There are many great resources to support library telescopes programs in libraries throughout the year. Here are a few examples.
Astronomical League
The Astronomical League has nearly 23,000 members and has more than 300 member societies supporting amateur astronomy. Night sky observing programs are available that work great with the library telescope. One example, for ages 10 and under, is the Sky Puppies program which is free and a great way to start learning the night sky. Learn more about the AstroLeague at AstroLeague.org
Astronomical Society of the Pacific ("ASP")
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is an international non-profit scientific and educational organization, founded in 1889, that works to increase understanding and appreciation of astronomy. ASP has a project lookup resources that will help libraries find interesting projects that will work with the library telescope program. Visit the resource page at Night Sky Network
Lunar and Planetary Institute ("LPI")
The Lunar and Planetary Institute advances the understanding of the solar system by providing exception science, service, and inspiration to the world. LPI is a great resource to support "International Observe the Moon Night" at your library. Learn more about LPI at https://www.lpi.usra.edu/
SciStarter
SciStarter is a citizen science hub with hundreds of ideas for Citizen Science, particularly for Citizen Science Month - One Million Acts of Science! - SciStarter. Learn more about SciStarter's "One Million Acts of Science" which is a fun project that can be tied directly to the Library Telescope Program in your library. Learn more at SciStarter.org
DarkSky International
DarkSky International advocates to protect the night sky from artificial light using education, advocacy, retrofits, commmunity science, and more. Learn more about International Dark Sky week by visitng DarkSky International's website at DarkSky.org