Stars Descend on New York

The Northeast Astronomy Forum & Space Expo 2026 (NEAF), widely regarded as the world's largest astronomy and space exposition, opened April 11–12 at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. Marking its 35th anniversary, the two-day event brought together NASA expert talks, cutting-edge space technology displays, and hands-on stargazing experiences.

An All-Star Astronaut Lineup

Among the marquee speakers was NASA astronaut Anna Fisher, who made history in 1984 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during mission STS-51A by helping capture and return two malfunctioning satellites — one of the most technically demanding rescue operations ever conducted in orbit. A licensed physician as well as an astronaut, Fisher also became the first mother to travel to space and has shaped NASA's human spaceflight programs across decades of service.

Veteran ISS astronaut Don Pettit, who has spent more than a year in space across multiple missions, also took the stage. Known for experiments ranging from fluid physics to orbital photography, Pettit has built a following for blending engineering, science, and creativity in ways that make space research accessible to the public. Other notable speakers included Robert 'Hoot' Gibson, Michelle Thaller, and Jim Garvin, among other leading space science voices.

A Festival for 4,000 Astronomy Enthusiasts

NEAF producer Ed Siemenn noted that more than 4,000 professionals, amateurs, and space fans attend annually, with over 100 vendors and exhibitors from around the world. The exhibit hall encompasses telescope makers, imaging equipment providers, and astronomy clubs, making it one of the largest trade shows of its kind globally. Live solar observing, beginner telescope sessions, and planetarium programming rounded out the experience.

35 Years in the Making

What began as a small regional gathering in 1991 has grown into a globally recognized platform that bridges amateur and professional astronomy. Ahead of the main event, the Northeast Astro-Imaging Conference (NEAIC) ran April 9–10, offering dedicated workshops on astrophotography techniques for all skill levels.

Tickets started at $41 for a single day, or $75 for both days when purchased online in advance, with free admission for children and college students with valid ID.