Backyard Astronomy: A Foothills Speaker Series Talk
The Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center are continuing the Foothills Speaker Series with a presentation the basics of at-home astronomy. Kevin LeGore of Focus Astronomy will present "Backyard Astronomy" on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 6 pm at the Holland Center.
LeGore will guide attendees through the basics of the night sky. Then he'll get practical, covering everything you need to start stargazing at home, from choosing the right gear to finding a good viewing spot and knowing when to head outside. Whether you've never owned a telescope or you're already tracking meteor showers, there's something here for you, along with tips on what's visible in Arizona skies throughout the year. Following the presentation, volunteers from Focus Astronomy will set up professional-grade telescopes so participants can get an up-close look at the moon, planets, and other celestial bodies.
"You don't need a telescope or a science degree to get started," LeGore said. "Grab a blanket, find a dark spot, and see what you can spot. Some of the best astronomy happens with nothing more than your own eyes and a little patience. I want people to leave this talk excited to try it themselves."
This event is part of the Foothills Speaker Series, an ongoing free lecture series that connects community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. The series brings together experts from across the Southwest to share knowledge about desert ecology, conservation, and the natural world.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating. For more information and to register, visit dflt.org/speakerseries.
Event Details:
What: Foothills Speaker Series:
When: Tuesday, December 1, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
Register: Free and open to the public, registration is required. Visit dflt.org/speakerseries
