events
Below, you'll find a full lineup of our upcoming events, from community gatherings to telescope nights and educational workshops. We've also included major astronomical events you won't want to miss—like meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and planetary alignments.
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.
Strawberry Moon
Named for the short strawberry harvesting season in parts of North America. It is also sometimes associated with the beginning of summer.
Blue Moon
A “Blue Moon” usually refers to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. Despite the name, the moon normally does not appear blue. Because full moons happen about every 29.5 days, this rare timing only occurs every few years, leading to the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
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
Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs in August. It gets its name from Native American and fishing traditions, as this was the time of year when sturgeon fish were most plentiful and easiest to catch in the Great Lakes and other North American waters. The moon often appears larger and brighter in the summer night sky, making it a beautiful sight to enjoy.
Perseid Meteor Showers
The Earth entered the debris field left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet as it orbits the Sub meaning the Perseid Meteor has begun. Peak viewing of the meteor shower will be August 12-23, 2025.
Interested in having us at your school, library, or community event? We love bringing 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!
