Logo featuring silhouettes of two people and telescope, titled 'Northwest Suburban Astronomers NSA' on a starry background.

Welcome to Northwest Suburban Astronomers!

Our club is based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. With a wide range of interests, experience, and equipment, our growing membership is making us one of the largest astronomy clubs in the midwest US. Here you can find out about our public meetings, star parties, and the benefits of becoming a member.

Explore the Sky, attend Events, Learn About the Universe, and more!

  • Winding Creek Observing
  • Milky Way galaxy at night, showing dense star field and cosmic dust clouds.
  • Night sky with aurora borealis and stars, telescope silhouette, and trees in the foreground.
  • Person setting up a large telescope outdoors on grass with trees in the background.
  • Outdoor presentation with audience seated on benches, surrounded by trees.
  • A classroom with students seated facing two large projection screens displaying a presentation. A teacher stands near the front. The periodic table of elements is on the wall.
  • Wildcat May 2023
  • A person adjusting an array of telescopes outdoors
  • Audience listening to a presentation about the Dark Energy Survey in a lecture hall.
  • A man in a suit gives a presentation on the Webb Space Telescope, pointing to a slide with technical details and an illustration of the telescope.
  • Night sky with the Milky Way galaxy and numerous stars.
  • A nighttime scene showing a sign for "Northwest Suburban Astronomers" illuminated by red lights, set against a starry sky and dark landscape with trees.
  • Outdoor stargazing event with telescopes on a parking lot, surrounded by trees and cars. People are seated nearby using telescopes in the evening.
  • People gathered at a table in a busy indoor setting, engaging in discussion and exchanging papers, with various documents and brochures spread out on the table.
  • Person using a large telescope outdoors
  • Indoor presentation in conference room with a speaker at the podium, slide on astronomy industry, and audience seated.
  • Nighttime scene with two telescopes set up in a grassy area under a starry sky. A car is parked nearby with its trunk open, emitting red light. The telescopes are surrounded by equipment and wires, illuminated by red and blue lights. Trees and a pavilion are visible in the background.
  • Audience watching a presentation on a projector screen in a conference room.
  • Close-up of a telescope setup with cables and equipment in a parking lot at dusk, with people and cars in the background.
  • Starry night sky with Milky Way galaxy visible
  • Outdoor presentation with audience seated on benches, surrounded by trees, and a speaker using a projector screen.
  • People setting up telescopes in a grassy area for stargazing event, surrounded by trees and parked cars.
  • People gathered in a bright, spacious hall with large windows and banners hanging from the ceiling. Some individuals are inspecting telescopes on display.
  • Two people discussing a telescope setup with laptops on a table indoors.

November

Member Photo of the Month

NGC 7331 - Deer Lick Group

Captured by Ryan H.

NGC 7331 is a spiral galaxy located about 40 million light-years away in the constellation Pegasus. Often called a “Milky Way twin,” it bears a striking resemblance to our own galaxy in size, structure, and rotation, making it a popular target to capture.

7.5 hours of data - LRGB.

Gear

  • iOptron Photron Truss 10” Ritchey-Chretien

  • ASI533MM-Pro Camera

  • LRGB filters

  • ASI174MM-Pro Guide Camera

  • ZWO OAG-L

  • iOptron CEM70

AstroBin: https://app.astrobin.com/u/rheuer22?i=q7tsdu#gallery
Website: ryanheuer.com

Is it Clear in the Northwest Suburbs?

Many astronomers use Astrospheric to check cloud cover and get weather updates for astronomy. We have Astrospheric embedded in our site. Take a look!

See live weather status from Astrospheric

What is the current moon phase?

Upcoming Events and Meetings

All monthly meetings are PUBLIC! Feel free to join and see what we are all about!

See Full Calendar
Featured
NSA November Swap Meet & Monthly Club Meeting | ***In Person Only***
Nov 7
NSA November Swap Meet & Monthly Club Meeting | ***In Person Only***
Palatine Library Night Sky Viewing
Nov 14
Palatine Library Night Sky Viewing
Palatine Library Night Sky Viewing (backup day)
Nov 21
Palatine Library Night Sky Viewing (backup day)
NSA December Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)
Dec 5
NSA December Monthly Club Meeting | Hybrid (in-person and on Zoom)

2026 Events TBA

NSA+at+Wildcat+Night.jpg

Interested in astronomy, stargazing, or taking stunning night sky photos? Join the NSA Astronomy Club! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skywatcher, our lectures, observation events, and star parties can enhance your knowledge. Members also share tips and gear advice for capturing beautiful cosmic images. Join us to explore the universe—there's something for everyone!

What are you waiting for?

Member Benefits
Join Today

About the Club & History

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA) club began in 1968 with Jack Kramer and neighbors meeting informally, officially established on June 5, 1971. In 1976, NSA merged with the Northwest Amateur Astronomy Club, growing to over 150 members. The club hosts monthly meetings, star parties, and summer camp-outs, and engages in public outreach. NSA won the 1989 Sky & Telescope Astronomy Day award and participates in the Night Sky Network and The Space Place to support NASA's missions. Membership benefits include newsletters, site access, trips, and discounts, fostering community spirit.

Read more