Urban Astronomy Movement Ignites Wonder with 500 Public Stargazing Events

#PopScope Connects Thousands to the Cosmos, One Sidewalk at a Time

Imagine stumbling upon a telescope on your way to grab a snack and getting an unparalleled view of Saturn’s rings. This magical experience is a hallmark of #PopScope, a thriving urban astronomy initiative.

A Decade of Cosmic Connection

Now celebrating 11 years, the volunteer-driven #PopScope has reached a remarkable milestone: 500 public pop-up events. These gatherings have introduced the wonders of the night sky to an estimated 26,000 individuals.

Originating in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2014, #PopScope—short for pop-up telescope—has blossomed into an international phenomenon. Volunteers now host events in cities across Canada and the United States, and have even extended their reach to Ireland, Malawi, and India.

The Simple, Powerful Model

The core of #PopScope’s success lies in its straightforward approach: set up an accessible telescope in a public space, direct it toward a celestial object, and invite curious passersby to take a look. The result is consistently awe-inspiring.

Pedestrians often react with initial disbelief, quickly followed by wide-eyed wonder. Witnessing Jupiter’s moons or the detailed craters of our own Moon, even under the glow of city lights, transforms a mundane walk into an unforgettable encounter with the universe.

Inspiring Awe and Friendship

Co-founder Michael O’Shea shared his motivation with GNN, stating, The project has been a labor of love—and deep friendships have formed among the group’s volunteers. We’re motivated by the look of awe on a stranger’s face when they see Saturn’s rings for the first time, or hear cries of delight when someone views the Moon’s bumpy craters in vivid detail.

These cosmic conversations often branch out, touching on lunar phases, neighborhood changes, or even family pets. Many encounters lead to new friendships, with participants and volunteers exchanging contact information to continue their shared passion.

The group fondly recalls snippets of conversations from their 500 events. One participant noted, I am 55 years old and I’ve never seen anything like this before. Thank you for coming! Another exclaimed, Saturn rings! They look like an emoji! A Saturn emoji! Many expressed sentiments like, You made my night…Best thing that happened to me all day.

Bridging the Gap in Science Engagement

Generous support from donors such as Celestron, the Awesome Foundation, and the Social Innovation Lab has been instrumental in providing equipment and enabling #PopScope to bring science to communities that may lack access to traditional academic institutions.

The initiative has established chapters in cities including Montreal, Baltimore, New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville, Florida. The #PopScope team hopes these accessible encounters will spark a lasting curiosity about space, encouraging both children and adults to continue looking up.

For those inspired to get involved or learn more, visit popscope.org. You can also explore photos and videos from their events and read about the club’s history in a recent article.