United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey in Hope will be opening for another season of free and in-person presentations beginning April 4 through October. Presentations start at 8pm with gates opening at 7:30pm. Star gazing follows each talk, weather permitting. The presentations are also available online through Twitch and YouTube.
Are you stoked about astronomy? UACNJ is looking to expand their presentation list. If you are interested, reach out to info@uacnj.org with a date and the title of your talk. Spots are open for in-person April through October presentations as well as the online only winter presentations.
Volunteers and observers have been working hard, making renovations and updates to the Jenny Jump State Forest astronomy club site located in Hope, New Jersey. Improvements include freshening up the museum displays, improving audio quality for the outdoor lecture area, updating the hardware and software used on site and fixing the soffits on the house.
And, drumroll please! The astronomy club is ready to break ground on a new observatory that will house the 25" Midkiff telescope! After seven long years of planning, preparing, and persevering, the moment has finally arrived. This project was put on hold because of the pandemic, and closed government offices related to plan approval and permitting.
Generous supporters helped raise $30,000, an amount allotted to cover the costs of the engineering and architectural services. The next phase is construction and UACNJ needs donor help to raise another $30,000. This money covers the cost of materials and labor.
The future build will help create a hub for stargazing enthusiasts and astronomers alike while fostering a love of astronomy among New Jersey's youth and communities.
The astronomy club is grateful for your consideration on this matter. Every gift, big or small, brings this dream a step closer to making this a reality. Any funds raised beyond the construction goal will go directly toward the continued maintenance and future development of the facilities.
UACNJ will be attending the Northeast Astronomy Forum and Space Expo (NEAF) in April. Activities include talks and presentations, spectator participation opportunities, and vendors galore. Livestreaming will be available in the UACNJ booth on YouTube and Twitch channels for those unable to attend the convention.
Need galaxy merch? Check out the online store featuring a special selection of 25" Midkiff telescope retail plus swag that’s no longer available in the UACNJ’s store! https://store.uacnj.org/collections/all
Too much stuff? Not enough space? Donate your space and astronomy items to UACNJ. If they can’t use it at the astronomy club, homes will be found for your items. Any funds collected will be used to help with up keep of the club and outreach.
Examples of items include, but are not limited to the following:
Telescopes
Binoculars
Optics
Tripods
Books
Find out more and how to donate through the website or email them at donations@uacnj.org
UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2026
October is the last month for UACNJ's in-person presentations. These are free public programs at Jenny Jump State Forest, presented Saturday evenings April-October. The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the club's telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.