Under One Sky -

Explore the Night Sky Together During Citizen Science Month

Pop-up telescope events around the world invite the public to explore constellations, measure light pollution, and join the 2.50 Million Acts of Science campaign during Citizen Science Month.

Join Under One Sky: A Global Star Party—a worldwide series of free, pop-up telescope events where people gather to observe constellations, measure light pollution, and celebrate the wonder of the night sky. The events are part of the 2.50 Million Acts of Science campaign in April, uniting communities everywhere in hands-on science.

Each observation contributes to Globe at Night, a global citizen science program led by NSF’s NOIRLab that tracks light pollution to protect our view of the stars and support research on its impacts on wildlife and human health.

DarkSky International and NOIRLab invite libraries, museums, community centers, parks, and public spaces to host or join events throughout April. Local hosts will provide telescopes and guide participants in recording sky brightness while sharing the joy of astronomy.

“Under One Sky is one of many ways people can participate in science during April,” said [Name, Title, SciStarter]. “From the stars above to the environment around us, every act of science brings us closer together.”

WHO: Everyone is invited!

SciStarter, in partnership with DarkSky International and NSF’s NOIRLab, invites the public to participate in Under One Sky: A Global Star Party—a series of free, pop-up telescope events around the world.

WHAT: Observe the Night Sky

A global series of telescope events that invite people to observe constellations, measure light pollution, and contribute data to Globe at Night—celebrating the 20th anniversary of the citizen science project and Citizen Science Month (April) as part of the 2.50 Million Acts of Science campaign, a global effort to inspire people everywhere to participate in hands-on science projects—from astronomy to biodiversity, air, and water research.

WHEN: April 1-30, 2026

Citizen Science Month events take place throughout April. Local Under One Sky pop-up star party times and dates vary by location.

WHERE: Around the World

Pop-up telescope events will appear at libraries, museums, community centers, parks, and public spaces—from city streets to rural fields—around the world. Find a star party near you [anchor link to tab].

WHY: Unite the Globe Under Our Shared Night Sky

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Globe at Night, Citizen Science Month, and America’s 250th birthday by empowering people everywhere to participate in science. Together, these efforts aim to achieve a global goal of 2.5 million Acts of Science—uniting communities, advancing research, and honoring the shared sky that connects us all. Each observation of night sky brightness will help scientists understand and mitigate light pollution, while connecting participants to the shared sky that unites us all.

About SciStarter

SciStarter is a globally recognized platform connecting millions of people to thousands of citizen science projects. Through partnerships with libraries, museums, schools, and community organizations, SciStarter helps everyone contribute to real scientific research. Learn more at SciStarter.org.

About DarkSky International

DarkSky International is the leading authority on light pollution, dedicated to preserving and protecting the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through responsible outdoor lighting and community engagement. Learn more at darksky.org.

About NOIRLab and GLOBE at Night

NSF’s NOIRLab (National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) operates world-class observatories and leads GLOBE at Night, a global citizen science program that documents light pollution for research and mitigation. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, GLOBE at Night has empowered hundreds of thousands of participants to measure and protect the natural night sky. Learn more at globeatnight.org.

Event Planning and Promotional Resources

Add Your Event

Want to share the night sky with others? Host a Pop-up Star Party in April 2026 and be part of Citizen Science Month 2026!

Jump to How to Plan Your Star Party Event

Use the form below to register your event and help us showcase how communities everywhere are exploring and celebrating science together.

Both public and private events are welcome—every contribution helps demonstrate the global impact of citizen science.

Before You Begin:

We’ll review your submission and reach out if we have any questions before publishing on the map.
Information entered under “Your Contact Information” is for SciStarter’s internal use only.
Information entered under “Event Information” (including event location, date, and time) will be published on the public map once reviewed.

If you have questions about this form, please email info@SciStarter.org.

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Your Contact Information

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Full Name
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Event Information

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Choose one: Public or Private event
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Full Address or Location Name (e.g., library, school, museum, park)
Date of Event
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- Public Contact Email
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Brief Description of Your Event

Plan Your Event

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Map of Events

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Featured Event

Under One Sky: The Global Star Party