Time Travel Through the Universe

Time Travel Through the Universe

February 9, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

When you gaze up at the night sky, through the veil of stars and the plane of the Milky Way close by, you can’t help but feel small before the grand abyss of the Universe that lies beyond. Even though nearly all of them are invisible to our eyes, our observable Universe, extending tens of billions of light years in all directions, contains a fantastically large number of galaxies within it.
The Andromeda Galaxy is the most distant object readily visible to the naked eye. It is 2.5 million light-years away. The light from it that we see right now is 2.5 million years old. We are therefore seeing the Andromeda Galaxy as it was at a time long before modern humans existed!

Come out to The Heide Observatory and we will take you on a tour of visible galaxies going back in time millions of years.

Take turns looking through our 17-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.

This event is 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 40%.

Dress appropriately for lying still in nighttime cold outdoor weather. Warm beverages, many-layered clothing, and sleeping bags are all well-advised.

Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org

Through the Lens January 2024

Through the Lens January 2024

Thursdays,  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Experience the awe-inspiring “Through the Lens” event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life. Peer into the depths of the universe using our powerful 17-inch telescope, taking turns to observe binary stars, elusive planets, ethereal galaxies, and an array of captivating celestial objects. As you await your individual view inside the observatory dome, join our knowledgeable guides outside under the stars for a guided sky tour. Gain a broader perspective and deepen your appreciation of the universe as you absorb the enchanting panorama of the night sky, connecting the dots between what you witness through the lens and the grand tapestry of the cosmos.

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%, or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.

Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Small Eyes Under the Skies January 2024

Small Eyes Under the Skies January 2024

Fridays 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Join us for a captivating astronomical adventure at The Heide Observatory with our “Small Eyes Under the Skies” event, perfect for the whole family. Explore the wonders of our solar system as we embark on an interactive journey across the meadow, investigating the sizes and distances of our nearest celestial neighbors. Following this engaging experience, prepare for an unforgettable telescope adventure where you’ll witness the beauty of planets and other extraordinary celestial objects up close. With limited space available, be sure to secure your tickets early to guarantee a spot for this stellar exploration.

In the event of cloud cover of more than 40% or too few tickets are sold to fund staffing for the event, we will reschedule. Look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours prior to the event date.

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

Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field).

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars January 2024

Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars January 2024

Wednesdays, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience at “Wine Wednesday Under the Stars” hosted at the Heide Observatory. Sink blissfully into a 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 celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in the enthralling stories of these objects as we unravel their relationships and delve into their deeper 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% or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.

Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.