A Community of Stargazers Since 1948
Amateur and professional astronomers, teachers and learners, oldsters and youngsters — all inquiring minds.
Sharing the Night Sky with Phoenix
The Phoenix Astronomical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the night sky with the Phoenix community — through public star parties, school and scout outreach, and a welcoming home for anyone curious about the universe, from lifelong amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers.
PAS is also a Night Sky Network member organization, a NASA-affiliated program run by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to bring the wonders of the universe to the public — most recently visible when members Mark J. and Stu B. brought stargazing to 12 News' "Today in AZ."
Our History
Founded in 1948 as the Phoenix Observatory Association by Phoenix College physics professor Amos Hoff, PAS spent its early decades pursuing an ambitious dream: building a public observatory. That project was never completed, but the society it created has endured — through Phoenix College, Brophy College Prep, Valley Academy, Foothills Academy, and, since 2005, Paradise Valley Community College, whose Black Mountain campus hosted PAS star parties for years. Public star parties are held today at Apache Wash Trailhead in North Phoenix.
Read the Full HistoryOur Observing Site
Public star parties are held at Apache Wash Trailhead in North Phoenix — see Events for the address, a map, and the schedule. Members also observe from dark-sky sites around the Phoenix area; see Sky Conditions for a full, Bortle-rated list.