by William Parker | Sep 16, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Tuesday (November 26) 7:00 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 26, 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 7:00 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 Nature Center.
Have questions? Please contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
For reservations click here
by Chad Jocius | Sep 3, 2024 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Friday, November 8 (7:30 pm – 9:30 pm)
Come out to the Heide Observatory and observe the moon in the evening sky, as it will guide you to Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus the gas giants of our solar system. Given clear skies, you can’t miss these bright worlds. The moon is the second-brightest celestial object, after the sun. Learn about the moon and these amazing worlds as we view them through our telescopes.
This event may need to be rescheduled if the cloud cover outlook is over 40%. Please watch for a confirmation email from the observatory.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Find tickets here!
Questions about this event or others please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
by Chad Jocius | Aug 12, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday September 28, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Charles and Kathryn Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum invites you to attend a fundraising gala to support the continuing mission of the observatory—to connect members of our community with the universe through observing and studying the sky.
Each ticket you purchase secures a spot for yourself or your companion(s) to celebrate our ongoing work through the sky while enjoying hors d’oeuvres during the retreat of the night’s twilight.
At this gala, you can:
- Mix and mingle with other observatory supporters
- Learn about the history, activities, and future plans for the observatory
- Pledge to support the observatory in its mission through direct contribution and/or participation in a raffle
- Enjoy the night’s stars coming out and peer into the distant universe through the existing telescope at planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies (weather permitting)
Reserve your tickets here.
For group rates of ten or more, or if you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
by Chad Jocius | Aug 12, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday September 14, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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 5, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
August 31, 3:00 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
Join us at The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for a celestial treat! Early mornings in August offer the perfect opportunity to witness the planets rising just before the break of dawn. Marvel at the sight of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and perhaps even Mercury!
As the sun begins to rise, we’ll gather for a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast (with coffee and juice available) while soaking in the serene morning ambiance of Hawthorn Hollow. Please note that the image above may not accurately depict the pancakes served, but rest assured, we’ll do our best to tantalize your taste buds!
This event is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the forecast shows more than 40% cloud cover. As the event is scheduled early, please check the email you used to purchase tickets before heading out.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Weather backup night will be the very next morning 09/01 at 3:00 am.
Get your tickets here. Tickets for this special event are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today!
Contact us with any questions Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
We look forward to sharing this enchanting experience with you!
by Chad Jocius | Jul 31, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday (August 11) 12:15 am – 2:15 am
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.In 2024 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The shower will peak 11-13 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 Perseids 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 Perseids Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors. Since we have limited seating tickets are for bringing your own chairs or blanket to sit on. 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 Monday August 12, times yet to be determined.
Please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Purchase Tickets Here.
