Upcoming Autumn Events in Astronomy: Competitions, Meetings, and More

Upcoming Autumn Events in Astronomy: Competitions, Meetings, and More

As summer vacations begin, many may not yet be ready to think about autumn. However, this break from work is the perfect opportunity to nurture passions, plan new activities, and prepare for upcoming challenges. Coelum highlights several important events in the astronomical calendar that enthusiasts should mark down, especially the deadlines for competitions and initiatives starting from late August to early September.

August 31: UAI Meeting and Imaging Award

The first key event is the 10th UAI Meeting on the Sun, Moon, and Planets, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, at the headquarters of the Montagna Pistoiese Astronomy Group.

Open to both UAI members and non-members, those wishing to present their work on solar, lunar, or planetary observations must fill out the online form by August 31, 2026.

This year's edition will feature a revamped program that includes scientific talks alongside educational and observational activities. Highlights include a connection with Thierry Legault, an expert in high-resolution astronomical imaging, a workshop on image processing, and a “Bring Your Telescope” initiative, allowing participants to bring their equipment for hands-on experience. Weather permitting, there will be collective observations of the Sun, Moon, and planets, with a special focus on Saturn. For more details, refer to the Meeting UAI program.

Additionally, August 31 marks the deadline for the inaugural UAI Solar, Lunar & Planetary Imaging Award, a free photography competition open to everyone regardless of age or nationality. Each participant may submit up to three images of the Sun, Moon, or planets, utilizing any observational technique, including landscape photography.

Selected works will be displayed during the Meeting, and winners will be featured in Coelum, along with prizes sponsored by the magazine. For more information, consult the Imaging Award regulations.

September 1: Final Call for “Obiettivo Spazio”

Participants have until 11:59 PM on September 1, 2026, to enter the “Obiettivo Spazio” astrophotography contest, organized by the Rovereto Civic Museum Foundation, with Coelum Astronomy as the official media partner.

Participation is free and open to all, with entries accepted in four categories: Landscapes, Solar System, Deep Space, and Auroras and Surroundings. Contestants may submit one photo per category.

Selected photographs will be featured in a temporary exhibition at the Museum of Science and Archaeology in Rovereto. The inauguration and awards ceremony will take place on November 14, 2026, with prizes for the top three in each category, including subscriptions to Coelum and activities at the Museum's Planetarium. For entry details, see the participation guidelines.

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September 11 to 26: “Stregati dalla Luna”

September will also see the return of “Stregati dalla Luna”, a national initiative by CICAP aimed at combating myths, false beliefs, and astronomical fake news.

The 2026 edition, titled “Back Among the Stars”, will coincide with NASA's International Observe the Moon Night, featuring conferences, meetings, and telescope observations. Attendees will have the chance to explore our lunar companion from scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives, delving into new space missions and learning to differentiate research findings from unfounded interpretations.

The program will span several Italian cities:

• September 11: Lecco and San Giovanni in Persiceto;
• September 17: Rozzano;
• September 18: Bari;
• September 19: Cagliari, Cuneo, Noto, Perugia, Ravenna, Rome, San Benedetto del Tronto, Turin, and Trieste;
• September 23: Trezzano sul Naviglio;
• September 26: Catanzaro, Gorga, and Padua.

In addition to live programming, online content and a special episode of Radio CICAP will be available. For the updated calendar of “Stregati dalla Luna,” please check the official schedule.

September 13: Rossella Panarese National Award

Midnight on September 13, 2026, will mark the end of submissions for the third Rossella Panarese National Award, organized by the ODV Women Among the Stars Association, focusing on science communication in space-related themes.

This award honors Rossella Panarese, a scientific journalist and the historical creator of Radio3 Scienza, promoting communication that makes astronomy, astrophysics, astronautics, and aerospace activities accessible and relevant to society.

The competition is open to adults and includes two categories: video and podcast. Entries must be original, unpublished works created specifically for the award, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes. Participants can enter only one category.

The awards ceremony will occur on the morning of October 16 at the Altinate San Gaetano Cultural Center in Padua, as part of the fifth edition of the “Women Among the Stars” Festival, scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2026. For details on the application process, refer to the official announcement.

Coelum is the official media partner for the “Women Among the Stars” festival.

November 7 and 8: Astroshow in Cesena

As autumn progresses, the fourth edition of Astroshow will take place on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, at the Cesena Fair, located at Via Dismano 3845, near the Cesena Nord motorway exit.

This event will gather specialized companies, associations, amateur astronomers, and science communicators, providing an opportunity to discover the latest innovations in telescopes, mounts, astronomical cameras, and accessories for observation and astrophotography.

The program will feature a workshop on astrophotography led by Luca Fornaciari, an introductory course on spectroscopy by the Italian Amateur Astronomers Union, and a session dedicated to the scientific use of smart telescopes, covering topics from photometry to the study of exoplanets and variable stars. Throughout the fair, a planetarium will be available, particularly aimed at younger audiences.

Coelum will join other key figures in the Italian astronomy scene to engage with readers and enthusiasts, sharing highlights from the event. The entry ticket will cost 10 euros. For more information, visit www.astroshowcesena.it or contact [email protected].

With photography contests, awards for science communication, scientific meetings, public observations, and industry fairs, the events supported by Coelum showcase the diverse ways to engage with the universe today. Readers are encouraged to check the official programs and pay attention to the upcoming deadlines: August 31, September 1, and September 13. Although autumn may seem distant, it’s already time to prepare for participation.