ASEM, the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, is hosting a celebration of John Dobson and his innovative reflector telescope design. 

Other participating clubs include St. Louis Astronomical Society, River Bend Astronomy Club, and Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers  
 
Dobsonfest 2026
 - Activities for all ages
 - Family Friendly!
 - Free telescope viewing at night
 - Safe solar viewing during the day
 - Information on how to get to know the night sky
 - Have a telescope? Need help using it? Experienced volunteers will be glad to help. 

Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just curious about the night sky, there’s something for everyone!
Bring your own telescope to display, or get help from experienced volunteers if you need assistance setting up a new telescope.

Starting at 4 p.m.: Explore telescope displays, learn how telescopes work and how to build your own, enjoy kids’ activities, and safely view the Sun through solar scopes. Telescopes will also be available to view the Moon.
Door prizes from 4:30–7 p.m. will include telescopes, binoculars, astronomy books, space puzzles and much more!
After dark: Join us for views of the Moon, Saturn, supernova remnants, dead stars, colorful stars and more!
Free event. No registration required.

This program is presented in partnership with:
 =Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri
=St. Louis Astronomical Society

=River Bend Astronomy Club
=Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers

Celebrating John Dobson’s birthday! Dobson was an amateur astronomer known for bringing astronomy to the public through sidewalk astronomy and public speaking. He also created the Dobsonian telescope, one of the most popular and easiest-to-use telescope designs in the world.
Come celebrate, explore, and look up!