2025 Stellafane Convention
The 89th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers on Breezy Hill in Springfield, Vermont,
the 2025 Stellafane Convention will be held on Thursday-Sunday, July 24th through 27th.
This year’s convention is dedicated to
The Youth of Astronomy
The Enthusiastic Next Generation
This page is a work in progress and will be updated as information becomes available. Last updated on March 30.
— 2025 Convention Highlights —
Dr. Stephen Sekula
Astronomy Without Light:
Revealing the Unseen Universe
Convention Keynote by Dr. Stephen Sekula
Dr. Sekula of Queen's University will take us 1.2 miles underground to the SNOLAB, where he directs research into the basic nature of the Universe, including Neutrinos and Dark Matter. He will shed light into these fundamental matters in an enthusiastic, clear, engaging manner.
The Hartness House Workshop will be held on Thursday, July 24th
This year's theme is Eclectic Astronomy. The Dinner Keynote talk is Catch a Dying Star: Neutrino Astronomy and the Next Galactic Supernova by Dr. Stephen Sekula. More info below.
New air conditioning has been installed at the Hartness House, and it should be comfortable in the lecture room this year.
Observing
The Stellafane Convention offers excellent observing under our rural dark skies, some of the best in the Northeast. For an added challenge, take part in our Observing Olympics program - observe 15 deep sky objects in a small telescope or binoculars and win a beautiful enameled pin. Each year we have a new list of objects for you to discover and enjoy.
The Teen Robotics Program
Returns with a new project. For Teens age 12 to 17; Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Sign-up required, see below.
Daytime Talks
A wide variety of talks on astronomy topics for all levels of experience are presented in the Flanders Pavilion all day on Friday and Saturday.
Non-astronomy Things To Do in the Area
Bringing non-aatronomer family members or spending time in the area before or after convention? This list may help you find other interesting activites in our area.(New This Year)
The Hundred Year Old Spark that Started Convention
This year we celebrate the events of 1925, starting with an important visit June, which lead to the publication of an article in November. The article was a 'viral sensation' (modern terms) that caused demands for more information about Making Your Own Telescope. More articles were published, but another way the need was met was something called the Stellafane Convention, which burst onto the scene in the summer of 1926. Click or tap the title to learn more.
Convention Overview
If you are not familiar with the Stellafane Convention, this two page brochure provides an overview and brief history.
You will NOT receive a printed Convention Bulletin
with the schedule in it when you check in at the gate.
Schedules are not ready at this time
!!! Road Closure on VT-11 during Convention
!!!
Detours will be in force.
Click/Tap this box for Detour Information and how to get here.
There are different detours for Cars/Pickups and Large RVs.
Convention Program & Schedule
A great selection of speakers, workshops, demonstrations and events for every level: children, beginners, intermediate and
advanced amateur astronomers. Lists all scheduled events and times at convention.
View the Program & Schedule
View Program Download Info
Convention Registration: Purchase Tickets & Add-Ons
You can register to attend the 2025 Convention, the Hartness House Workshop, order Saturday Dinner Packages and/or make a Donation here.
Registration will open on or about May 1.
Register to Attend Convention and/or The Hartness House Workshop
Hartness House Workshop
The Hartness House Workshop will be held on Thursday, July 24th. The theme of the event this year will be: "Eclectic Astronomy", meaning the Workshop will offer a broad spectrum of interesting individual talks. The slate for the day will be a heterogeneous collection of high-quality presentations, on a variety of astronomical subjects, with the usual opportunity to mingle with the speakers and other attendees at the historic Hartness House Inn. As usual, the Hartness/Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making will be open during the day.
The dinner session keynote address will be Catch a Dying Star: Neutrino Astronomy and the Next Galactic Supernova. SNOWLAB’s Dr. Stephen Sekula will discuss an early warning system that uses the neutrino, an elusive but essential subatomic particle, which will play a key role in the forecast and complete observation of the next galactic supernova.
Register for the Hartness House Workshop using
the Convention Registration link above.
Friday Informal Talks
The Friday Informal Talks are always a lot of fun, and any convention
attendee can sign up to make a short presentation, serious or not. Show off what you just built,
show off your great astro-images, tell us about a new technique you are using when observing.
Sign Up to Give an Informal Talk
[Click to enlarge]
Telescope Competition
If you plan to enter a telescope in the Optical and/or Mechanical Competition, this page will provide the information you need and
allow you to register your telescope.
Enter Your Telescope
Observing Olympics
A challenge to observe at least 15 deep sky objects, accessible in small to large amateur telescopes or binoculars. Try your observing skills and earn a pin for your efforts.
This year's Observing Olympics has fun new lists of objects to search for and learn about.
See the Observing Olympics Details
Teen Robotics Program
For Teens age 12 to 17; Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
This will be a hands-on class where teens will work in teams to construct Europa Clipper inspired technology that will be demonstrated at the Convention.
Attendance will be first-come first-served. If you are 100% sure your teen will attend convention and want to attend this event, then you’ll need to get them on the list.
Special note: There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time! We will be working with hand tools, so please no open toed shoes (sandals, flip-flops, etc.)
Sign up for the Teen Robotics Program
General Information
This page contains information about the convention that does not fit in elsewhere. Check this page for answers to any questions you may have.
Go to the General Information Page
Non-astronomy Things To Do in the Area
Bringing non-aatronomer family members or spending time in the area before or after convention? This list may help you
find other interesting activites in our area.(New This Year)
View Non-Astronmy Area Attractions
Photo by John Holloran
[Click to enlarge]
Convention Policies
This page contains convention policies which we have established to insure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of convention by all who attend. In particular, please read the Refund Policy and the Stellafane Convention Code of Conduct. Please familiarize yourself with these policies, so that you too will have a safe and enjoyable convention.
New this year: Drone Policy
Lodging & Campgrounds
If you are not camping at Stellafane, you will need some place to stay. Here is a listing of Motels, Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Campgrounds in the area.
View our Lodging & Campground list
Directions & Maps
Need to know how to get to Stellafane? Here are written directions and a map for after you get off the Interstate.
We also have a site map of the convention area. See also Local Airport Information.
View Directions & Maps
View VT-11 Detour Information
Food Service
We are using the same vendor as the past few years: JC’s Market & Deli of North Springfield.
A dinner menu from the grill will be available starting Thursday late afternoon / early evening along with salads, fruit and snack items. Breakfast (from 6 AM), lunch, and dinner (from 5 PM) will be available Friday and Saturday and Breakfast will also be available on Sunday morning.
Both Thursday, Friday & Saturday night home-cooked dinner options will also be offered al-la-carte at the cook shack.
In addition to the a-la-carte selections available at the times above, an optional pre-ordered complete dinner will be available Saturday evening starting at 4:30 which must be ordered in advance with your registration. There is a choice of:
- Half Chicken or Half-Rack of BBQ Ribs, and both meals include baked potato with toppings, corn, dinner roll, a drink (water or soda), and strawberry shortcake for $26.99
- Tofu & Grilled Vegetable Skewers for $24.99
Bags of Ice will also be available for your cooler.