Get Ready for the Northeast Astronomy Forum 2025!

Get ready, space enthusiasts! A small town in New York is transforming into a haven for astronomy fans this weekend, as the highly anticipated Northeast Astronomy Forum 2025 (NEAF) takes center stage from April 5-6 at the State University of New York Rockland Community College in Suffern. Dubbed the "world's largest astronomy and space expo," this colossal event is shaping up to be the biggest yet!

Record Turnout Expected

With advance ticket sales indicating a surge in interest, NEAF's exhibit coordinator, Sarah Colker, shared that nearly 4,000 attendees are expected this year—a record turnout since the forum's inception 34 years ago. For those unaware, NEAF runs alongside the Northeast Astro-imaging Conference, adding an extra layer of excitement for astrophotography enthusiasts.

A Comic-Con for Astronomy Lovers

As the editor-in-chief of Space.com, I eagerly look forward to NEAF each year. It’s akin to a comic-con for astronomy lovers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest telescope technologies from major manufacturers, including Celestron, Explore Scientific, and Unistellar. Attendees can get hands-on with cutting-edge gear and even try out a personal observatory!

Hear from Space Legends

This year's star-studded lineup of speakers includes Eileen Collins, NASA's trailblazing first female space shuttle pilot and commander, and astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson. They will share insights from their remarkable careers, while esteemed Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin and his successor, Zebulon Scoville, will delve into the future of lunar exploration with NASA's Artemis program.

Don’t Miss the Solar Viewing Event

A highlight you won’t want to miss is the solar viewing event held on the college lawn. Attendees can safely observe stunning sunspots and solar prominences through specially filtered telescopes—just make sure the weather cooperates!

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Whether you're an avid stargazer or a curious novice, the NEAF promises to be an unforgettable experience, brimming with knowledge, innovation, and community spirit. Don’t miss your chance to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and industry leaders—let's hope to see you under the stars!