by Chad Jocius | Dec 3, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Monday, January 13 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
The Moon will pass in front of Mars, creating a lunar occultation visible from the Americas and Africa. Although the occultation will only be visible across part of the world – because the Moon is so close to the Earth that its position in the sky varies by as much as two degrees across the world – a close conjunction between the pair will be more widely visible.
Come on out to the Heide Observatory as we watch Mars disappear behind the moon. We will also be checking out the latest from our greatest hits, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune!
Get your tickets here!
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Sep 11, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Thursday, October 17, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
This comet will be very low in the sky, giving us only a brief window to view it through the main telescope before it dips below the treeline. We may also head up to the old schoolhouses, where the view to the west is clearer, and use binoculars for a better chance to see it.
Comets are notoriously unpredictable, and it’s hard to know exactly how bright Comet A3 will be. Current estimates suggest it could reach a magnitude of 2.5 to 2 during its closest approach to Earth on October 12. If we’re lucky, it might be even brighter—or fainter if we’re not—since predicting a comet’s brightness is always tricky.
Even if the comet moves out of view, we’ll still have the opportunity to observe other deep space objects through the telescope.
Reserve your tickets here
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.
