Rise and shine, the planets are putting on a show! đ Join us at The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for a one-of-a-kind pre-dawn cosmic adventure. August mornings bring the perfect window to catch planets rising just before sunrise, and weâll be watching for Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptuneâand maybe even a surprise appearance by Mercury!
After planet-gazing, weâll welcome the sunrise with a hot pancake and sausage breakfast (yes, coffee and juice too!) while enjoying the peaceful early-morning magic of Hawthorn Hollow. The pancake photo may be a space-level exaggeration, but we promise theyâll still be delicious. đ„â
đ€ Weather Watch: This event is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%. If that happens, the backup date is the very next morning, at 3:00 AM. Because itâs an early start, please check the email used to purchase tickets before heading out.
đ What to Wear: Dress for nighttime outdoor conditions, it can be cool before sunrise!
đ Tickets are limited, so donât sleep on this (even though itâs early). Reserve your spot today and join us for planets, pancakes, and an unforgettable start to the day. Get your tickets here!
A Relaxing Evening of Stargazing at The Heide Observatory
Unwind beneath the night sky at âWednesday Under the Stars,â a tranquil and inspiring experience hosted at The Heide Observatory. Recline in one of our zero-gravity chairs with your favorite beverage in hand and prepare for an unforgettable journey across the cosmos. Our astronomy guides will lead you on a laser-assisted tour of the heavensârevealing brilliant stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other celestial wonders.
As you gaze upward, discover the stories, science, and hidden connections that bring these cosmic objects to life. Sit back, relax, and savor the magic of the universe in this one-of-a-kind evening under the stars.
đ Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this peaceful night of discovery and wonder.
Confirmation and Communication
Within 24 hours of purchase, youâll receive a confirmation email verifying your reservation. If your confirmation has not arrived or if your contact email differs from the one used at checkout, please reach out to observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Weather and Attendance Information
This program is weather-dependent. In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if ticket sales are too low to fund event staffing, the program will be rescheduled. Participants will receive an email notification at least 24 hours before the event regarding any schedule changes.
What to Bring
Please dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather. We recommend layers and comfortable clothing for an evening of relaxed stargazing.
Join us for a captivating evening of exploration at The Heide Observatory with our family-friendly event, âSmall Eyes Under the Skies.â Together, weâll journey through a scaled model of our solar system across the meadowâan interactive outdoor adventure that reveals the incredible sizes and distances of our celestial neighbors. After our trek, enjoy a breathtaking telescope viewing session, where youâll witness planets, star clusters, and other cosmic wonders up close.
đ Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this stellar experience!
Weather and Attendance Information
In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if fewer tickets are sold than needed to support staffing, the event may be rescheduled. Youâll receive a confirmation or reschedule notice by email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you havenât heard from us by thenâor would like faster weather updatesâplease email your number to the observatory team for personal text notifications about your event, and remember to check your spam folder if you have not received a confirmation for emails.
What to Bring
Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for our outdoor âwalk through the solar system.â The activity takes place in the open field, so layers and sturdy shoes are recommended.
