// EVENTS SCHEDULE
EXPLORE.
LEARN. CONNECT.
From public stargazing to hands-on STEM activities, STARS events bring the universe closer to the community.
26.2200° N // 98.1200° W
Rio Grande Valley, TX
STARS // ONLINE
COMMUNITY ASTRONOMY
STEM EDUCATION
IGNITING CURIOSITY
01 // UPCOMING EVENTS
Astronomy at the Park
Join STARS for a free evening of astronomy featuring telescope observing, hands-on STEM activities, observatory tours, educational presentations, and opportunities to explore the wonders of the night sky with local astronomy enthusiasts.
Cup of Cosmos
Join us for an afternoon of cosmic conversations as we go over the upcoming NASA mission taking humans back to the moon! Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a new learner, we welcome you to join us and discuss, ask questions, and meet new people while enjoying a great drink at Fly the Flag Coffee!
41st Annual Turkey Trot
Join us the morning of November 22, 2025 for the 41st Annual Turkey Trot at the Heart Institute of Brownsville! Proceeds from the event will go towards our Carol Lutsinger STEM Scholarship fund, supporting students from the Rio Grande Valley pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and related fields! Registration is now live in the website header!
Astronomy at the Park: The Sound of the Cosmos
Join us on Saturday, October 11 for a celebration of one of the most important discoveries in modern astrophysics: the detection of gravitational waves!
This special edition of Astronomy at the Park will feature a presentation and book signing for The Sounds of the Cosmos: Gravitational Waves and the Birth of Multi-Messenger Astronomy, with all three co-authors in attendance:
* Dr. Mario Díaz, founding director of the Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at UTRGV
* Dr. Gabriela González, professor of physics and astronomy at LSU and former spokesperson for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration who announced the first detection in 2016
* Dr. Jorge Pullin, Horace Hearne Chair in theoretical physics at LSU, known for his work on black hole collisions and quantum gravity
Additional event activities will include:
* Stargazing and guided night sky tours
* Hands-on STEM activities with the South Texas Astronomical Society (STARS)
* Exhibitions by the UTRGV Society of Physics Students (SPS) and South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI)
PLEASE NOTE: The Cristina Torres Memorial Observatory is currently under repair and will not be operational during the event.
EVENT SPACE IS LIMITED! Click the following link to purchase your day pass and secure your spot. The cost is $4 per person; children 12 and under are FREE!
If you would like to purchase a copy of the book (The Sound of the Cosmos) ahead of the event, please visit:
Cup of Cosmos @ Fly the flag coffee
Join us for an afternoon of cosmic conversation at September’s Cup of Cosmos at Fly the Flag Coffee! Sit down with local astrophysicists, meet fellow space enthusiasts, and enjoy a cup of coffee while we discuss the 10th Anniversary of the discovery of gravitational waves. Have a topic you would like to talk or ask about? We’ll talk about that too!
Event Location: Fly the Flag Coffee, 3193 W Alton Gloor Blvd Suite E, Brownsville, TX
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04 // OBSERVATION NETWORK
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05 // EVENT REQUESTS
Interested in having us?
We’d love to be at your school, library, or community event and bring the wonders of the universe to curious minds of all ages! Whether it’s a hands-on astronomy activity, a telescope night, or a custom presentation, we’re happy to work with you to create a memorable experience!
EVENT LOCATIONS VARY
Events take place at parks, cafes, libraries, parks, and community spaces across the RGV.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Help make our events possible and inspire the community.WEATHER POLICY
Events may be to be rescheduled due to weather conditions. Check our socials for updates.
ALL ARE WELCOME
Our events are family-friendly and are designed for all ages and experience levels.