Thousands of enthusiasts, professionals and curious skywatchers will gather this weekend for the world’s largest and most spectacular astronomy and space expo.
Northeast Astronomy Forum and Space Expo 2026 (NEAF) will take place April 11-12 at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York and will mark the 35th year of the event. The two-day event includes space talks with NASA experts, cutting-edge technology and hands-on stargazing experiences.
Over 100 vendors and exhibitors from around the world participate in NEAF representing major manufacturers and dealers. The expansion makes it “one of the largest trade show and collaboration venues of its kind in the world” as well as “an exhilarating shopping paradise,” Seaman said.
“NEAF is a true ‘forum’ of events for those who have looked up Night sky and a curiosity to understand the universe beyond our own microenvironments,” said Seaman. “Each year NEAF searches the globe to present an all-star line up of amazing guests who are making history today. Nowhere else can you find such an exciting range of events brought together in one place and at one time.”
The exhibit hall features telescope manufacturers, imaging equipment providers, astronomy clubs, and space organizations, complemented by live demonstrations, solar observations, beginner telescope sessions, planetarium programming, and a large raffle.
is one of this year’s standout speakers anna fischerA pioneering NASA astronaut and one of the first women to fly in space. He made history in 1984 by helping to capture and return two downed satellites aboard the space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-51A – one of the most technically challenging rescue missions ever performed in orbit. A physician as well as an astronaut, she later became first mother to travel to space, and through decades of service has played a significant role in shaping NASA’s human spaceflight programs.
He is joined by Pettit, a veteran NASA astronaut known for his long-duration missions International Space Station and his approach to the science in microgravity. Petit has spent more than a year in space during several missions, conducting experiments ranging from fluid physics to orbital photography, while also gaining a following for his fascinating images of Earth and the universe taken from orbit. His work blends engineering, science and creativity, offering a unique perspective on life and research in space.
Other notable speakers this year’s lineup It includes veteran astronauts and leading voices in space science such as Robert Gibson (Hoot Gibson), Mitchell Thaler, Ken Kramer, David McComas, Mike Cianilli, Jim Garvin, Gerry Griffin and Kevin Schindler. The event will be hosted by NEAF Talks Master of Ceremonies Vince Coulehan and Space.com. Skywatching columnist Joe RaoWho will help in inaugurating the function on Saturday. Full schedule of events available Online.
Presentations will cover human spaceflight, astrophysics, mission operations, and ongoing exploration efforts, reflecting NEAF’s longtime focus on both education and inspiration. event program.
Leading the main event, the Northeast Astro-Imaging Conference (N.E.A.I.C.) will run from April 9-10, offering workshops and talks dedicated to astrophotography techniques, processing workflows and advanced imaging tools for beginners and experienced imagers.
Tickets are already available Online Or at the door, free admission for children and college students with valid ID. Single-day passes start at $41 when purchased online, or $75 for both days, and prices are higher at the door.
“Quite simply – if you have an interest in space and astronomy, you won’t want to miss NEAF,” Siemen said.
