Through the Lens September 2021

Through the Lens September 2021

Thursdays (September 9) 9:00 – 11:00 pm, (Setepmber 16, 23, 30) 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Take turns looking through our 16-inch telescope at binary stars, dim planets, distant galaxies, and other sky objects. Between individual views in the observatory dome, receive a guided sky tour standing outside under the stars to appreciate the broader picture of what you see through the telescope.

These events are weather-dependent, and each two-hour session will be canceled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 30%.

Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Beneath the Cosmos September 2021

Beneath the Cosmos September 2021

Mondays (September 6) 9:00 – 11:00 pm, (September 13, 20, 27) 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Relax in a zero-gravity chair while we guide you through the night sky, using our laser pointer to show you stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other objects of interest while explaining their relationships and significance. 

These events are weather-dependent and will be canceled by e-mail 24-hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 30%.

Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org

Small Eyes Under the Skies September 2021

Small Eyes Under the Skies September 2021

Fridays (September 3, 10) 8:00 – 9:30 pm, (September 17, 24) 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Bring the family out to the Schoolyard Observatory and take a trip through the solar system on the meadow as we learn about the size and distance of our closest neighbors. Take our interactive trip followed by an adventure through the telescope to view the planets and other amazing objects. “Space” is limited to 10 total individuals so reserve your tickets early.

Contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org for group/family rate discounts.

Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field) and do not forget the bug spray as they are hungry!

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars September 2021

Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars September 2021

Wednesdays (September 1) 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, (September 8,15,22) 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Relax in a zero-gravity chair with your own wine or beverage you bring while we guide you through the night sky, using our laser pointer to show you stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other objects of interest while explaining their relationships and significance.

These events are weather-dependent, and each two-hour session will be canceled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 30%.

Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Mercury’s Greatest Elongation

Mercury’s Greatest Elongation

Tuesday (September 14) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mercury’s orbit lies closer to the Sun than the Earth’s, meaning it always appears close to the Sun and is lost in the Sun’s glare much of the time.

It is observable for only a few weeks each time it reaches the greatest separation from the Sun – moments referred to as greatest elongation. These apparitions repeat roughly once every 3–4 months, taking place alternately in the morning and evening skies, depending on whether Mercury lies to the east of the Sun or to the west.

When it lies to the east, it rises and sets a short time after the Sun and is visible in the early evening twilight. On September 14 it will have a 26.8° eastern elongation. Observing conditions will be better at lower latitudes, from where it will be setting approximately 1.5 hours after the sun.

Come out to the Schoolyard Observatory where we will take a trip to the Western field and view Mercury through binoculars and a few field telescopes. After which we will explore other planets and our moon through our telescopes.

This 2-hour session will be confirmed by email at least 24 hours before scheduled according to the cloud cover forecast (< 30%). Tickets are transferable for any observatory nightly event in cases of poor weather conditions.

Have questions? Please contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Safety Precautions: During events, 6-foot social distancing will be maintained, and wearing face masks are recommended but not mandatory. Telescope eyepiece and ladder handles will be sanitized before and after each use. Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather, and plan for the blood-sucking flying insects.

Purchase Tickets Here or call 262-552-8196.