Join us at the Heide Observatory for Dragonfire Skies: Draconids, an early-evening meteor observing event featuring one of the most unpredictable meteor showers of the year.
The Draconid meteor shower is produced by debris from Comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner and is known for occasional outbursts rather than steady activity, with meteor rates that can vary significantly from year to year. Draconid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Draco, and unlike many meteor showers, they are best observed early in the evening, shortly after sunset.
Tickets include access to our anti-gravity chairs, providing a relaxed and comfortable way to watch the sky. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from bright lights and scan large sections of the sky, as Draconids often appear suddenly and briefly. Observatory staff will discuss why this shower behaves differently from others, how comet dust trails create sudden meteor bursts, and what makes the Draconids a unique and occasionally surprising skywatching experience. While this is typically a lower-rate shower, even a small number of meteors can make for a memorable early-night observing session when conditions are favorable.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Winter)
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 event.
Email Communication Is Critical:
All weather updates, cancellations, or rescheduling notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is correct and check spam or promotions folders. If you purchased tickets using a different email than you regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Dress for Cold, Stationary Observing:
This is an outdoor, late evening or early-morning event. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Multiple layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, blankets, or sleeping bags are strongly recommended. Warm beverages are encouraged.
✨ Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp – August 29 ✨
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp is a one-night astronomy experience at the Heide Observatory designed exclusively for adults who want to explore space science through hands-on demonstrations, exciting launches, and guided observing—without tests, equations, or homework. Participants will take part in rocket launches, air cannon demonstrations, and interactive activities that illustrate real space science concepts in an approachable and entertaining way. The evening also includes telescope viewing and a guided night sky lesson that connects what you see overhead to how scientists and engineers study the universe. Whether you are a longtime space enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a relaxed, engaging way to experience astronomy through action, exploration, and wonder.
Space is limited—reserve your ticket now for a night of science, adventure, and stars!
For questions about this or other events, email us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Rise and shine, the planets are putting on a show!
🌌Join us the morning of September 5 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. Get your tickets here!
Ready to take things to the next level? Join us at the Heide Observatory for our advanced Space Camp experience, designed for curious minds who want to build, test, and think like real engineers.
Campers will dive deeper into physics and space science—testing ideas, refining designs, and learning how real-world space missions are planned and executed.
✨ Limited to just 12 students to ensure a highly engaging, hands-on experience.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for our 4th year of Space Camp—and for the first time ever, we’re offering a daytime camp experience designed especially for younger explorers!
When you gaze up at the night sky, beyond the veil of stars and the glowing plane of the Milky Way, you are also looking backward in time.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Time Travel Through the Universe, an evening dedicated to exploring how distance in space becomes a journey into the past. Although nearly all galaxies are invisible to the naked eye, our observable universe contains hundreds of billions of them, stretching tens of billions of light-years in every direction. Using our 17-inch telescope, we will tour visible galaxies and explain how the light reaching your eyes began its journey millions of years ago. Even the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object most people can see without optical aid, appears to us as it existed 2.5 million years ago, long before modern humans walked the Earth. This guided observing experience blends deep-sky viewing with cosmic perspective, revealing how astronomy allows us to witness the universe as it once was.
🔔 Important Event Information — 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 sunset—dress warmer than you think you’ll 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 You’re There:
Bring your favorite insect repellent. The stars are peaceful; the mosquitoes are not. We observe the universe—not the bugs—but they may still attempt first contact.
