by Chad Jocius | Jan 17, 2025 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Sunday, May 4, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
Join us at The Heidi Observatory for a mesmerizing celestial experience! The Eta Aquariids, one of two meteor showers originating from Halley’s comet, will grace the night sky with their splendor. These meteors streak through the atmosphere at an astonishing speed of about 148,000 miles per hour, earning the Eta Aquariids the reputation of being one of the fastest meteor showers.
During its peak, we typically enjoy between 20 and 30 meteors per hour, providing a captivating display for all who observe. Relax in our anti-gravity chairs and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky as we watch the meteors cascade overhead, while also pointing out other fascinating celestial objects.
Each 2-hour session will be confirmed by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, contingent upon the cloud cover forecast (less than 40%). In the event of inclement weather, tickets are transferable for any observatory nightly event.
Reserve tickets here for 10 pm
If the email used to purchase tickets is different from your regular email, please check that email or contact me at the address below.
Do you have any questions or inquiries? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you!
by Chad Jocius | Jan 16, 2025 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Monday, April 21, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Lyrids appear in Chinese writing dating back to roughly 690 BCE, making them one of the earliest meteor showers on record. On the night of April 21, the annual shower will reach its near peak for 2023. The meteor shower is a result of Earth passing through the tail of the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. When our planet moves through this debris field, the space rocks burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, causing spectacular lights to streak across the night sky.
The Lyrids are one of the weaker annual meteor showers visible from Earth. On peak nights, they usually produce no more than 20 shooting stars per hour. The event is also unpredictable: On rare occasions, spectators are treated to incredible surges of up to 100 meteors per hour. For this reason, the Lyrids are worth checking out for diehard astronomy enthusiasts.
Come out to the Heide Observatory and enjoy a relaxing evening in our anti-gravity chairs as we point out the night-sky objects and watch for meteors.
This event is weather-dependent and will be canceled or rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 30%. Reservations can be transferred for any other nightly observatory event.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Get your Tickets Here!
If the email used to purchase tickets is different from your regular email, please check that email or contact me at the address below.
by William Parker | Jan 16, 2025 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday, March 29, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Are you new to astronomy and looking for a challenge? Been around the sun a few times and are ready to up your stargazing street cred? There’s no better way than to try and run a Messier Marathon.
The Messier objects are a collection of deep space objects catalogued by French astronomer Charles Messier in his Catalogue des Nébuleuses et des Amas d’Étoiles (“Catalogue of Nebulae and Star Clusters”), originally published in 1771. The Messier objects themselves vary: in the catalog, you’ll find galaxies in a variety of forms, different kinds of nebulas, open star clusters, and globular star clusters. There are also a few unique objects: one supernova remnant (M1), one-star cloud (M24, our own galaxy), and one double star (M40).
In a Messier Marathon, you try and see all 110 Messier objects in a single night. Like a physical marathon, it takes planning and pacing to quickly move through over 100 deep space objects in a single night.
Whatever draws you to learn more about the Messier Marathon, you’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of astronomers undertake the challenge and head on out to the Schoolyard Observatory for some or all of the Messier Marathon where we will be attempting to discover all possible Messier objects with a number of telescopes and other amazing information on each object. Reservations are donation-based to help promote our fundraising efforts.
Please reserve and donate today.
In case of poor weather conditions this event will be held indoors at the Nature Center where we will be presenting high definition pictures / videos giving full descriptions and back grounds of the messier objects and how they came to be. We will contact you 24 hours prior to the event to confirm start times and weather conditions.
Reserve tickets here or feel free to email observatory@hawthornhollow.org
If the email used to purchase tickets is different from your regular email, please check that email or contact me at the address below.
by Chad Jocius | Dec 12, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Fridays, (5:00pm – 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.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
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 | Dec 12, 2024 | 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.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Dec 12, 2024 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Wednesdays, (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Enjoy a relaxing Wednesday Under the Stars hosted at the Heide Observatory. Sink into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite 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. Gaze and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.
Within 24 hours of purchase, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. If your email address differs from the one used to purchase tickets, or you have any additional questions, please email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled 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.
