Public Programs and Special Events The UACNJ provides public astronomy programs on Saturday evenings from April through October, from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m., at which an astronomy presentation is followed by an observing session, weather permitting. Two special events are held annually at Jenny Jump and are open to the public: Astronomy Day (held in April), and the UACNJ Astronomy Symposium (held in September). International Astronomy Day is an event held each Spring with programs directed towards educating the general public about astronomy. The UACNJ and many of its member clubs will be holding star parties and other activities at their home locations. (For information about local club events contact each individual club.) At Jenny Jump, the program includes speakers on a variety of astronomical topics, displays on computer astronomy and other subjects, solar observing, an evening star party, and other events. Comet Hale-Bopp was the center of attention this year. The UACNJ Astronomy Symposium at Jenny Jump was held for the first time in September 1994. This annual event is directed towards all amateurs, whether advanced or simply individuals in the state who wish to learn more about amateur astronomy. Several speakers present material on a variety of general topics throughout the day. Computer-astronomy demonstrations, project displays, solar observing, and an evening star party are some of the activities. The Symposium also hosts a series of technical presentations for advanced amateurs to hone their observing and research skills. An astronomy flea market is run where amateurs may sell their old equipment to help sate their astronomy appetite for that bigger and better scope.