moon phases


seven men with varied talents and unyielding resolve formed the New Jersey Astronomical Association - a not for profit corporation dedicated to bringing astronomy to the general public. They devised and executed a plan to build an observatory, bringing the wonders of space to the people.
    Today The Paul H. Robinson Observatory - which houses the largest telescope in New Jersey open to the public - is located in Voorhees State Park - stands as a monument to this effort. Our membership consists of people from all walks of life who share a love of astronomy.

Does astronomy in New Jersey interest you or your family?

Stop by the Paul Robinson Observatory on any public evening and see what one of our qualified observers can show you. Click here for hours of operation.


How does an idea to make 10" telescopes result in a domed observatory on a mountain housing a telescope assembly over 4 tons and 15 feet high? Who were the people that imagined this was possible? Where did the mount - several tons in weight - comes from? A high-precision 26" mirror? A 19 foot dome? Find out how this enourmous vision came to be the Paul Robinson Observatory and Edwin E. Aldrin Astronomical Center.

See a pictorial history of the making of an observatory!


On June 15, 2002, we dedicated our carefully constructed Solar System model. This gift from 3M, in cooperation with Project ASTRO NOVA and Voorhees High School is designed to educate those who take the 1/4 mile stroll. There are a handful of scale models available for perusal in the U.S., but this new addition to Voorhees State Park is a real standout. Here is its story and a point and click model

We invite you to point and click your way through the solar system!

1/7 - Mars Trip Proposed for Space Shuttles
The co-founder of a rocket launch firm has proposed an audacious plan to send astronauts on a one-way trek to Mars using a pair of tethered U.S. space shuttles that would parachute to the Martian surface. full story
1/6 - Dead Stars Tell Story of Planet Birth
Astronomers have turned to an unexpected place to study the evolution of planets -- dead stars. full story
1/5 - New Visualization Techniques Yield Star Formation Insights
New computer visualization technology developed by the Harvard Initiative in Innovative Computing has helped astrophysicists understand that gravity plays a larger role than previously thought in deep space's vast, star-forming molecular clouds. full story
1/4 - Mystery stone circles may point to water on Mars
STONE circles on Mars are prompting a rethink about the planet's ancient climate. full story
1/2 - The Year in Pictures: 2008
The year 2008 was notable for starting out -- and ending -- with more than 20 missions actively exploring our neighbors in the solar system. full story
1/1 - The Return of (Little) Bigfoot on Mars
Some urban legends just won't die, and sometimes, unfortunately, they are given new life. full story
12/31 - 2008: The year in spaceflight
2008 was a mixed year for spaceflight. China carried out its first spacewalk, India sent a probe to the Moon, and several private space vehicles took flight for the first time... full story

The NJAA operates on leased premises administered by The State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry