Join us at the Heide Observatory for the Lyrid Lightshow, a classic spring meteor shower known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional bright fireball. The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth passes through each April as it orbits the Sun. While the Lyrids do not produce the high hourly rates of some summer meteor showers, they reward patient observers with quick, sharp streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky, often flashing suddenly rather than leaving long trails.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan large areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will share tips on where to look, explain why meteor activity can vary throughout the night, and discuss how comet debris creates these fleeting streaks of light.
Meteors are unpredictable by nature, and viewing success depends on sky darkness and atmospheric conditions, but even a handful of sightings can make for a memorable experience under the stars.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes, are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing. Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for the Lyrid Lightshow, a classic spring meteor shower known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional bright fireball. The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth passes through each April as it orbits the Sun. While the Lyrids do not produce the high hourly rates of some summer meteor showers, they reward patient observers with quick, sharp streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky, often flashing suddenly rather than leaving long trails.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan large areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will share tips on where to look, explain why meteor activity can vary throughout the night, and discuss how comet debris creates these fleeting streaks of light.
Meteors are unpredictable by nature, and viewing success depends on sky darkness and atmospheric conditions, but even a handful of sightings can make for a memorable experience under the stars.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes, are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing. Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a Messier Marathon, a classic deep-sky observing challenge focused on locating objects from the Messier Catalog during the prime spring observing season. From 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, we will guide guests through a curated selection of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that are best positioned in the sky during this time of year.
This donation-supported event helps sustain astronomy education and public observing programs at the Heide Observatory.
Using our 17-inch telescope, participants will take turns observing some of the most iconic deep-sky objects visible from Earth while learning how astronomers locate faint objects using star patterns, sky motion, and observing strategy. Between telescope views, staff will provide context on what each object is, why it was cataloged, and what makes spring such a powerful season for galaxy observing. Whether you are new to deep-sky astronomy or looking to experience a classic observing tradition, this program offers a focused and immersive look at the universe beyond our solar system.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)
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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes, are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing.
Make a single donation using the link above to reserve your place at the event. After donating, simply email us with the number of guests in your group, and we will add you to the reservation list.
Your donation supports the Heide Observatory and Hawthorn Hollow astronomy programs, helping us continue public observing nights, school programs, and STEM education.
Rise and shine, the planets are putting on a show! 🌌 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 we’ll be watching for Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—and maybe even a surprise appearance by Mercury!
After planet-gazing, we’ll 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 they’ll still be delicious. 🥞☕
🌤 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 it’s an early start, please check the email used to purchase tickets before heading out.
👕 What to Wear: Dress for nighttime outdoor conditions, it can be cool before sunrise!
🎟 Tickets are limited, so don’t sleep on this (even though it’s early). Reserve your spot today and join us for planets, pancakes, and an unforgettable start to the day.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.
In 2025 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The shower will peak 12-13 August.
The Perseid (Per-see-id) meteor shower is one of the highlights of many meteor hunters’ calendars due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, caused by the Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.
It is called the Perseid because the meteors seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Astronomers call this point the meteor shower’s radiant.
Reserve your tickets for The Heide Observatory Perseid Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors as you lay back in our zero gravity chairs. Tickets for this event go fast so reserve yours today.
Watch for an email confirmation with the address used for purchase tickets a few days prior to the event and a updated weather confirmation at least 24 hours prior to the reservation time. In the event of poor weather conditions the back-up night will be Wednesday August 13, times yet to be determined. Please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.
In 2025 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The shower will peak 12-13 August.
The Perseid (Per-see-id) meteor shower is one of the highlights of many meteor hunters’ calendars due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, caused by the Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.
It is called the Perseid because the meteors seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Astronomers call this point the meteor shower’s radiant.
Reserve your tickets for The Heide Observatory Perseid Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors as you lay back in our zero gravity chairs. Tickets for this event go fast so reserve yours today.
Watch for an email confirmation with the address used for purchase tickets a few days prior to the event and a updated weather confirmation at least 24 hours prior to the reservation time. In the event of poor weather conditions the back-up night will be Wednesday August 13, times yet to be determined. Please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
