The Charles and Kathryn Heide Schoolyard Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow features a Meade LX200 – ACF 16″ telescope on an Alt-Az mount in an automated dome as well as two mounts for smaller telescopes outside the dome. The observatory hosts daytime and nighttime field trips & classes, scout merit badge workshops as well as star parties. Please send inquiries or requests for events to:
observatory@hawthornhollow.org

Upcoming Events (June 2020)

 

Beneath the Cosmos

Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays (weather permitting)
June 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 10, 22, 26
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. Each 90-minute tour will be confirmed on the observatory website 24 hours before scheduled according to the cloud cover forecast (< 30%) and will then be open for registration until 6:00 pm the day of.
Safety Precautions: During events, 6-foot social distancing will be maintained, and wearing a facial mask will be required. Chairs will be sanitized before and after each use. Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather, and insect repellent is highly recommended.
Purchase a block-event ticket any time for $10 a person or $50 for the whole tour by PayPal (choose Observatory under Use this donation for, then e-mail observatory@hawthornhollow.org with time and date of transaction and the names for each ticket purchased) or by calling (262) 552-8196.
Register for a 90-minute tour block on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday inside the 24-hour window prior to the confirmed tour by e-mailing observatory@hawthornhollow.org with the names of the ticket holders planning to attend.

Through the Lens
Tuesdays/Thursdays (weather permitting)
June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25

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. Each 90-minute session will be confirmed on the observatory website 24 hours before scheduled according to the cloud cover forecast (< 30%) and will then be open for registration until 6:00 pm the day of.
Safety Precautions: During events, 6-foot social distancing will be maintained, and wearing a facial mask will be required. Telescope eyepiece and ladder handles will be sanitized before and after each use. Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather, and insect repellent is highly recommended.
Purchase a block-event ticket any time for $10 a person or $50 for the entire session by PayPal (choose Observatory under Use this donation for, then e-mail observatory@hawthornhollow.org with time and date of transaction and the names for each ticket purchased) or by calling (262) 552-8196.
Register for a 90-minute session block on Tuesday or Thursday inside the 24-hour window prior to the confirmed session by e-mailing observatory@hawthornhollow.org with the names of the ticket holders planning to attend.

Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars
Wednesdays (weather permitting)
June 24

Relax in a zero-gravity chair with complimentary red wine 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. Each 90-minute tour will be confirmed on the observatory website 24 hours before scheduled according to the cloud cover forecast (< 30%) and will then be open for registration until 6:00 pm the day of.
Safety Precautions: During events, 6-foot social distancing will be maintained, and wearing a facial mask will be required. Telescope eyepiece and ladder handles will be sanitized before and after each use. Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather, and insect repellent is highly recommended.
Purchase a block-event ticket any time for $20 a person or $100 for the entire session by PayPal (choose Observatory under Use this donation for, then e-mail observatory@hawthornhollow.org with time and date of transaction and the names for each ticket purchased) or by calling (262) 552-8196.
Register for a 90-minute session block on Wednesday inside the 24-hour window prior to the confirmed session by e-mailing observatory@hawthornhollow.org with the names of the ticket holders planning to attend. Only attendees over 21 years old allowed

Next Event

June 22 Beneath the Cosmos – Taking Reservations