by Chad Jocius | Apr 26, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday (August 12) 11:15 pm – 1:15 am
The Perseid meteor shower (also known as The Perseids) is perhaps the most popular meteor shower of the year, visible between July and August. With clear skies, you could see what some consider the most spectacular cosmic light show.
American spectators can expect to see the greatest number of meteors during the shower’s peak between Aug. 12-13 this year, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS).
Every year, Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle from July 17 to Aug. 24, with the shower’s peak — when Earth passes through the densest, dustiest area — occurring Aug. 12-13. That means you’ll see the most meteors in the shortest amount of time near that time. Years without moonlight see higher rates of meteors per hour, and in outburst years (such as in 2016) the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour.
Reserve your tickets for The Schoolyard Observatory Perseids Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors as you lay back in our zero gravity chairs. Tickets for this event go fast so reserve yours today.
Any questions? Contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Purchase Tickets Here
by William Parker | Apr 25, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Wednesday, June 28 – Saturday, July 1 (8:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Calling all aspiring space explorers! Prepare for an awe-inspiring space camp adventure at the Heide Observatory four consecutive nights June 28 to July 1, 2023, from 8:00 – 11:00 pm, timed to capture the midsummer sunset and the emergence of the night sky. Discover the wonders of our universe through these topics: planets & orbits; motion, gravity, size, & density; sun, stars, & star formation; and exoplanets and exomoons. Get ready for hands-on activities and direct observation as we explore the night sky. Engage in interactive experiments, gaze at stars through telescopes, and use your creativity and imagination to capture your experiences along the way. Join us for an out-of-this-world adventure that will ignite your curiosity and fuel your dreams of space exploration!
Register each participant by purchasing a ticket here or sending a check or money order to the address below by June 14 to secure their spots in this engaging opportunity. In addition a registration survey will be sent to the email address give and should be filled out before June 21. One parent or guardian is welcome to accompany each space explorer, and one must accompany any attendee under age 8. Each participant will receive a small binder and observatory pencil to collect and document their creations during this journey.
Space camp offers exciting outdoor activities that allow participants to explore the wonders of the universe. As a part of this experience, it is essential for all attendees to come prepared for varying nighttime temperatures and potential space mosquito exposure. We kindly request that everyone wears appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and protected.
Feel free to email us with with questions at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Heide Observatory
Re: Space Camp
880 Green Bay Rd
Kenosha, WI 53144
by William Parker | Apr 25, 2023 | Certifications, Observatory, Observatory Events
Fridays June 2, 9, 16, 23 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Would you like to learn or get good at your knowledge of the night sky? This four-night certification series is for you! You will learn the layout of the celestial sphere, the ten brightest stars, the important visible star patterns, Moon rise and set patterns with phases, the major visible constellations, and the brightness scale for observation. This event series will combine explicit learning with night sky simulation together with direct observation of the night sky. At the end of this series, you will be tested on your knowledge and receive a certificate vouching for your level of achievement.
To register, please purchase tickets here.
Feel free to email us with with questions at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org
by Chad Jocius | Apr 20, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Mondays, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Join us for an enchanting journey through the celestial realms at “Beneath the Cosmos,” our captivating Monday night event. Settle into our indulgent zero-gravity chairs and let us guide you on a mesmerizing tour of the night sky. Discover the fascinating objects of interest that adorn the heavens above, and delve into their profound relationship with Earth and their rich mythology across diverse cultures. As you relax and absorb the celestial wonders, allow yourself to be transported to a realm where science and folklore intertwine, expanding your understanding and appreciation of the vast cosmic tapestry that connects us all.
These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24-hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org
by Chad Jocius | Apr 20, 2023 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Wednesdays, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience at “Wine Wednesday Under the Stars” hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Sink into a blissful zero-gravity chair with your favorite wine or beverage in hand, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the night sky. Our expert guides will illuminate the celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in their enthralling stories as we unravel their relationships and delve into their profound significance. Sip, gaze, and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.
These events are weather-dependent, and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.