' catawbasky.org - The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club










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Your CVAC Officers for 2026:

President - Tim Slay
Vice-president - Ron Horne
Secretary - Gary Addington
Treasurer - Jeff Whisenant
Director - Barbara Barrier
Director - Bob Hunt
Programs - Joe Heafner
LMO Presentations - Jeff Whisenant
Communications - Jeff Whisenant
Science / Unistellar - Joe Heafner and Ron Horne
Observing / Origin - Tim Slay
Seestars - Anderson Lineberger, David Brehm, John O'Neal
NASA Night Sky - John O'Neal
Facebook - David Henry

Contact Us


Saturday, October 17, 2026
6:00pm until 10:00pm

Lucile Miller Observatory and
Catawba Valley Astronomy Club
50th Anniversary Celebration!
at Lucile Miller Observatory

Presentation by Chris Williams who met with O.N. Rich and Lucile Miller to secure the 10 inch Rich telescope for which the observatory was built.

Video presentation of Lucile Miller discussing the founding and construction of the observatory.

Don Brooks is expected with his 29 inch Dobsonian telescope

Remarks and a brief history of The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club.
Refreshments, Displays, and More!


The Lucile Miller Observatory Clear Sky Chart

LMO Clear Sky Chart - All N.C. Clear Sky Charts

Friday, October 16, 2026
8:00pm until 11:00pm

Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!

Click Here For Driving Directions and Information About This Event at Miller Observatory
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden
Saturday, October 17, 2026
6:00pm until 10:00pm

  • Local Astronomy Event

    Lucile Miller Observatory and Catawba Valley Astronomy Club 50th Anniversary Celebration!

    Lucile Miller Observatory and
    Catawba Valley Astronomy Club
    50th Anniversary Celebration!
    at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Presentation by Chris Williams who met with O.N. Rich and Lucile Miller to secure the 10 inch Rich telescope for which the observatory was built.

    Video presentation of Lucile Miller discussing the founding and construction of the observatory.

    Don Brooks is expected with his 29 inch Dobsonian telescope

    Remarks and a brief history of The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club.
    Refreshments, Displays, and More!



Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Monday, Nov 2, 2026 - Group Scheduled at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Small church group visit to LMO about 12 people from 6:30pm until 8:30pm Need CVAC members to cover this event. Jeff is not available.
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026 - Radio Show

    Listen to CVAC on First Talk with Hal Row on WHKY from 7:45am until 8:00am


  • Friday, Nov 6, 2026 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 10 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Thursday, Nov 12, 2026 - CVAC Meeting at Miller Observatory

    Monthly CVAC Meeting at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:30pm until 9:00pm
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Friday, Nov 13, 2026 - Group Scheduled at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Trilogy group visit to Miller Observatory for program and observing from 6:00pm until 9:00pm
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 - Local Astronomy Event

    Solar Observing at the Newton Depot for the BIG Newton Choo-Choo and Snowman Festival from 10:30am until 4:00pm This events runs from downtown Newton up several blocks to North Newton and the historic railroad district. All sorts of vendors, food, music, and activities.
    They are emphasizing STEM participation this year and they invited CVAC to bring Solar scopes, weather permitting. Over 1000 people attended this event last year.


  • Monday, Nov 16, 2026 - Group Scheduled at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Scout Troop 74 to visit Observatory for observing, indoor program, impossible advancement work. from 7:00pm until 9:00pm
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Friday, Nov 20, 2026 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 - Radio Show

    Listen to CVAC on First Talk with Hal Row on WHKY from 7:45am until 8:00am


  • Friday, Dec 4, 2026 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Thursday, Dec 10, 2026 - CVAC Meeting at Catawba Science Center

    Annual CVAC Christmas Dinner at Science Center from 7:00pm until 9:00pm Note the earlier start time
Map To Catawba Science Center, Hickory, Duane
Map To Dining at Catawba Science Center Special Events Room

  • Friday, Dec 18, 2026 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Friday, Jan 1, 2027 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Friday, Jan 15, 2027 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Saturday, Jan 23, 2027 - BoBfest! The Regional Gathering of Amateur Astronomers

    from 8:30am until 5:00pm
Map To Catawba Science Center, Hickory, Tracy
Map To Dining at Catawba Science Center Special Events Room

  • Friday, Feb 5, 2027 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Friday, Feb 19, 2027 - Public Observing at Lucile Miller Observatory

    Free public observing at Lucile Miller Observatory from 7:00pm until 10:00pm Free! Rain or shine. No reservations needed. Please arrive before 9 PM. Everyone welcome!
Map To Lucile Miller Observatory Maiden

  • Sunday, Mar 28, 2027 - Club Members and Observatory Not Available Today

    Easter


  • Saturday, Apr 10, 2027 - Astronomy Day at Barnes and Noble

    TENTATIVE! National Astronomy Day at Barnes and Noble Hickory. Telescopes, meteorite display, handouts, and much more! FREE! from 3:00pm until 10:00pm
Map To Barnes and Noble Booksellers Hickory
Map To Dining at Jasons Deli Hickory

  • Saturday, Apr 10, 2027 - Local Astronomy Event

    TENTATIVE N C statewide star party DETAILS AND DATE TO BE DETERMINED from 7:00pm until 10:00pm


  • Tuesday, Apr 13, 2027 - Local Astronomy Event

    First Quarter Moon from TBD until TBD


  • Saturday, Apr 17, 2027 - Astronomy Day at Barnes and Noble

    TENTATIVE! National Astronomy Day at Barnes and Noble Hickory. Telescopes, meteorite display, handouts, and much more! FREE! from 3:00pm until 10:00pm
Map To Barnes and Noble Booksellers Hickory
Map To Dining at Jasons Deli Hickory


BoBfest Page



All Seasonal Events are Tentative at this time!

Observing at Lake James State Park Paddys Creek Area. Events are scheduled usually in the warmer months. Events are free. Please visit the Lake James State Park Website to register.

Observing at Fonta Flora Brewery Whippoorwill Farms on NC 126 above Paddys Creek. Enjoy the great night sky with your entire family! Good beverages and food available.



Astronomy Day at Barnes and Noble each April and October around first quarter Moon from 3 to 11 p.m.