by Chad Jocius | Oct 24, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
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.
by Chad Jocius | Oct 24, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
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.
by Chad Jocius | Sep 4, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Tuesday (November 28) 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what someone standing in the same spot in the past saw and thought when they looked up?
500 years ago contact between Europeans and Indigenous Americans of the time changed the world, resulting in the collapse of Aztec and Inca empires and triggering a hemispheric pandemic that may have caused the Little Ice Age which ensued. Prior to this contact, indigenous American conceptions of the sky had no input from the astronomical ideas circulating in the rest of the world.
On Tuesday, November 28, in a series of short, five-to-fifteen-minute presentations by UW-Parkside students currently enrolled in the Astronomy of Native America course, we will explore the range of astronomical understanding and beliefs among indigenous groups of the Americas from the Inuit peoples of the Arctic to the Maya, the most astronomical advanced civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
Presentations begin at 7:30 pm and proceed until completion, estimated around 9:30 pm. Questions are welcome at the end of each presentation. Weather-permitting, the presentations will be given outside the Heide Observatory dome (directions here), and the observatory will be open afterward for a brief tour and night-time sky viewing. In the event of rain, the presentations will be held inside the Hawthorn Hollow Pike House.
Have questions? Please contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
For reservations click here
by Chad Jocius | Aug 12, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday October 21, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 DUE TO RAIN
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual public outreach event sponsored by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and other NASA and astronomical organizations that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration. Everyone on Earth is invited to join the celebration by hosting or attending an event or participating as a lunar observer — and uniting on one day each year to look at and learn about the Moon together.
The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow will be using multiple telescopes along with live stream of NASA’s coverage on our outdoor flat screen to view the moon with amazing clarity. Come out and learn all there is to know about our closest neighbor and partner in the solar system.
This event requires tickets, but they are solely based on donations to sustain the operational needs of the observatory. Your donation (which covers one ticket) is greatly appreciated. Kindly reach out to us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org to confirm the number of reservations you’d like to make after making your donation through the link below.
Find Tickets Here
by Chad Jocius | Aug 9, 2023 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday October 14, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
The North American eclipse of October 14, 2023 is an upcoming celestial event eagerly anticipated by astronomy enthusiasts in North America. During this eclipse, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, causing the Sun to appear as a “ring of fire” in the sky. This unique phenomenon occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, and it appears smaller than the Sun, creating a ring-like effect. The eclipse is not visible everywhere in the Earth, but the Moon’s shadow follows a path that will begin in Oregon and pass through parts of Utah, New Mexico and Texas, before crossing over the Gulf of Mexico, much of Central America, a wide swath of Colombia and Brazil, ending in the south Atlantic Ocean. Observers in these areas can see the “ring of fire” effect created by the Moon passing in front of the Sun. The donut or annulus shape of the visible portion of the Sun gives this type of eclipse its name: annular solar eclipse.
In southeastern Wisconsin, only a 40% eclipse is on the horizon, and we’re well-prepared with a variety of devices to ensure everyone can partake in this extraordinary celestial occurrence. Additionally, our staff and volunteers will help you delve into insights about our star and its significance for life here on Earth.
This event requires tickets, but they are solely based on donations to sustain the operational needs of the observatory. Your donation (which covers one ticket) is greatly appreciated. Kindly reach out to us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org to confirm the number of reservations you’d like to make when you make a donation through the link below.
Tickets Here
