Steve presents innovative and inspiring events to a variety of groups and audiences around the country. Below are some of the upcoming events that are scheduled. To be in touch about Steve providing an event for your group, please visit the Contact page.
Just added! New Cosmology Meetup Group (meets in the Asheville area). Click this link for more details.
2020 Events
Jan 23 or 24, Embracing the Dark: Light Pollution, Health, and the Environment
NC Arboretum
For well over a century, we’ve been lighting up the night with artificial lighting. Until recently the dramatic impact of light pollution on wildlife, human health, and the environment has been largely underestimated and poorly understood. In this class, we’ll discuss the importance of nighttime darkness and the many ways it’s necessary for the natural world and our physical, mental, and emotional health. We’ll also explore ways to mitigate the effects of light pollution in our homes and local environments and discuss strategies for making our homes more “dark friendly,” thereby improving our health, saving money, and benefitting the environment. Weather permitting, we’ll also walk around the Arboretum grounds to see the various ways the Arboretum has implemented light-reducing methods and policies on its grounds and discuss simple ways we can do the same in our homes and neighborhoods.
To register, contact the NC Arboretum at: https://www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/adult-education-classes/
Jan 29, 4-6:30 pm Treasures of the Winter Night Sky
NC Arboretum
Join us for an exploration of the treasures of the night sky as we discover the constellations, bright stars, planets, and deep sky objects that fill the winter evening skies. In a morning class we’ll review the basic use of planispheres and star charts to find our way around the night sky and learn about some of the rich collection of objects that are visible in binoculars and small telescopes. During the evening an optional stargazing gathering will be offered for participants. All ages and backgrounds are welcome and no previous astronomy or observing experience is required.
To register, contact the NC Arboretum at: https://www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/adult-education-classes/
Spring Equinox Stargazing Party at the Farm
Saturday March 21st, 8:30 – 10:00 pm
Join us to welcome in the stars of spring! During this time of equal night and equal day we’ll discuss some of the seasonal changes happening at this time in the sky as well as the myths of some of the spring constellations and anything else astronomical. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
Enjoying the Treasures of the Spring Night Sky
April 15, 2019, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
NC Arboretum
Join us for an exploration of the treasures of the night sky as we discover the constellations, bright stars, planets, and deep sky objects that fill the spring evening skies. In the classroom we’ll review the basic use of planispheres and star charts to find our way around the night sky and learn about some of the rich collection of objects that are visible with our eyes and through binoculars and small telescopes. Weather permitting, we’ll then go outside to observe them and learn the “signposts of spring” seen in the night sky at this time of year.
To register, contact the NC Arboretum at: https://www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/adult-education-classes/
Lyrid Meteor Shower Party
Saturday April 18th, 9:00 – 10:30 pm
Join us to celebrate the biggest meteor shower of the spring. As we watch the cosmic fireworks we’ll also learn to find our way around the spring sky and some of the myths and legends of the stars and constellations visible at this time as well.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
April 22 and 29, 6-8 pm Lure and Lore of the Night Sky
NC Arboretum
This two-session course explores the connection between the night sky and contemporary science writing as we explore evocative and skillful essays about the astronomical phenomena visible in our night skies and unpack some of the science explored in these writings. Weather permitting, we’ll step outside to view some of these writing topics for ourselves. No science background required.
To register, contact the NC Arboretum at: https://www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/adult-education-classes/
May 16, 9:00-10:30 pm Late Spring Stargazing at the Farm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
Join us as we spend time admiring the stars, constellations and milky way that fill the warm spring skies at the farm during this season. We’ll learn some of the myths and legends of the spring constellations and get a sneak peak at some of the summer stars now making their appearance.
May 22-24, The Way of the Universe: Aligning Our Lives and Our Spirituality with Cosmic Process
Genesis Retreat Center, Westfield, MA
The results from modern science indicate that we live in a universe far richer and more wonderful than anything we could have ever imagined. These insights into the deeper nature of the cosmos have the power to transform our spirituality and our lives and re-envision ourselves as living expressions of a sacred evolving universe.
Far from being either a random accident or a preplanned blueprint, the universe is a creative, generative, and dynamic process expressing itself in lives in every moment. Viewing ourselves and the world around us through the lens of cosmic process helps us to relax more deeply into ourselves and appreciate our participation in—and contribution to—the richness, elegance, and beauty of the universe. Understanding the nature of these cosmic dynamics and how to align with them can also help guide us through the immense transformations and changes currently occurring in our world, allowing us to live lives of inspiration, creativity, and fulfillment for the benefit of others and the whole.
More information and registration information to come soon.
Aug 10-20, Cosmology and the Commons, Czech Republic
More information and registration details to come soon.
Late Summer Stargazing at the Farm
Saturday Sept 12th, 8:30 – 10:00 pm
We’ll gather under the last evening skies of summer to observe the night sky and its wonders. Local astronomer Stephan Martin will give a tour of the stars and constellations of the summer sky while discussing some of their myths and the astronomical phenomena happening at this time. We may even see a few Taurid meteors cross our skies!
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
Fall stargazing at the farm and Mars viewing party
Saturday Oct 17th, 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Mars is at its best appearance for the year right now so come join us to have a look at it through some small telescopes. Local astronomer Stephan Martin will also point out some of the fall constellations and share of the myths and legends of the sky during this time of year, including some spooky star stories as we get close to Halloween!
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
Leonids meteor viewing party
Saturday Nov 14th, 7:30 – 9 pm
Join us to view one of the biggest meteor showers of the year at the farm with local astronomer and author Stephan Martin. While we’re enjoying the meteor show, we’ll also explore some of the stars, constellations, and other astronomical treasures of the fall night sky.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
Geminids Meteor Viewing Party
Saturday Dec 12th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Join us at the farm as we view the “king” of the meteor showers, the Geminid meteor shower, now gracing our skies during time. While we’re looking for meteors we’ll also explore some of the spectacular late fall and winter stars and constellations that are visible during this time of year, along with some of the stories associated with them.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview, NC
For updates, please request to be added to Steve’s mailing list at the link at the top of this page or by sending an email to smartin@copper.net
