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.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Perseid Peak Party, a late-summer meteor event featuring one of the most active and visually impressive meteor showers of the year. The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July through late August and peaks around August 12â13, producing frequent bright meteors as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, though streaks can be seen across much of the sky, with activity often increasing as the night progresses.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, providing a relaxed and comfortable way to enjoy extended viewing sessions. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, and scan broad areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will provide guidance on where to look, what to expect under current sky conditions, and why the Perseids are considered a favorite among meteor observers year after year. As with all meteor events, sightings depend on sky clarity and atmospheric conditions, but patience is often rewarded with memorable bursts of celestial activity.
đ Important Event Information â Late Evening / Overnight Event (Summer)
Weather-Dependent Event:
This program requires clear skies. If cloud cover greater than 40% is forecast, the event will be canceled or rescheduled. Notification will be sent by email no later than 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Email Communication Is Critical:
Weather updates and event notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please double-check that your email is correct and keep an eye on spam or promotions folders. If you purchase tickets using an email you rarely check, the cosmos will not notify you directly.
Comfort & Conditions:
Even on warm summer nights, temperatures can drop after sunsetâdress warmer than you think youâll need. Lower dew points can also lead to damp conditions, so blankets or chairs that can handle moisture are recommended.
Insects Exist and They Know Youâre There:
Bring your favorite insect repellent. The stars are peaceful; the mosquitoes are not. We observe the universeânot the bugsâbut they may still attempt first contact.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Perseid Peak Party, a late-summer meteor event featuring one of the most active and visually impressive meteor showers of the year. The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July through late August and peaks around August 12â13, producing frequent bright meteors as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, though streaks can be seen across much of the sky, with activity often increasing as the night progresses.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, providing a relaxed and comfortable way to enjoy extended viewing sessions. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, and scan broad areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will provide guidance on where to look, what to expect under current sky conditions, and why the Perseids are considered a favorite among meteor observers year after year. As with all meteor events, sightings depend on sky clarity and atmospheric conditions, but patience is often rewarded with memorable bursts of celestial activity.
đ Important Event Information â Late Evening / Overnight Event (Summer)
Weather-Dependent Event:
This program requires clear skies. If cloud cover greater than 40% is forecast, the event will be canceled or rescheduled. Notification will be sent by email no later than 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Email Communication Is Critical:
Weather updates and event notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please double-check that your email is correct and keep an eye on spam or promotions folders. If you purchase tickets using an email you rarely check, the cosmos will not notify you directly.
Comfort & Conditions:
Even on warm summer nights, temperatures can drop after sunsetâdress warmer than you think youâll need. Lower dew points can also lead to damp conditions, so blankets or chairs that can handle moisture are recommended.
Insects Exist and They Know Youâre There:
Bring your favorite insect repellent. The stars are peaceful; the mosquitoes are not. We observe the universeânot the bugsâbut they may still attempt first contact.
Thursdays: 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm August 6, 13 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm) August 20, 27
An Evening of Deep Sky Discovery at The Heide Observatory
Experience the awe and wonder of the cosmos at âThrough the Lens,â an immersive night of stargazing at The Heide Observatory. Step inside the observatory dome to peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope, where youâll take turns exploring binary stars, distant planets, shimmering galaxies, and other celestial marvels.
While you await your turn inside, enjoy an outdoor guided sky tour led by our knowledgeable astronomy staff. Beneath the open sky, youâll learn to recognize constellations, trace the paths of planets, and connect your observations through the telescope to the grand panorama of the night sky above.
đ Tickets are limited, so reserve early for this unforgettable journey through the universe.
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 session will be rescheduled. Participants will receive a confirmation or reschedule email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event, please check your spam or promotions folder for messages from the observatory.
What to Bring
Please dress for evening outdoor weather, as part of the program takes place outside under the stars. Warm layers and comfortable footwear are recommended.
