by Chad Jocius | Apr 21, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday May 18, 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Join us at Heide Observatory for an unforgettable Astronomy Night celebration! Step into the fascinating world of astronomy as we gather under the night sky to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
Our event kicks off with an engaging introduction to astronomy, led by passionate experts who will share their knowledge and insights. Learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that fill our night sky, and discover the secrets of the cosmos.
After the introductory session, it’s time to turn our gaze upward. Enjoy different views from multiple telescopes. Under knowledgeable guidance, peer through these impressive instruments to observe celestial objects up close. From the craters of the Moon to the wisps of the Ring Nebula, each view is a breathtaking reminder of the vastness and beauty of space.
Throughout the evening, our astronomers will be on hand to answer questions, share stories, and offer tips for stargazing at home. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone at Heide Observatory’s Astronomy Night celebration. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the cosmos and experience the magic of the night sky!
Reserve your tickets here.
This is a donation based event to sustain the operational needs of the observatory. Make your donation by purchasing one ticket at a price you determine. Kindly reach out to us Observatory@hawthornhollow.org to confirm the number of reservations you would like to make with your donation. We look forward to sharing this experience with you!
In case of cloudy skies or inclement weather, cancellation notification will be sent out by email 24 hours before the start of event.
by Chad Jocius | Mar 21, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Sunday (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 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 Monday August 12, times yet to be determined. Please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Purchase Tickets Here.
by Chad Jocius | Mar 21, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Sunday (August 11) 12:15 am – 2:00 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. 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.
by Chad Jocius | Mar 21, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Saturday (August 10) 10:00 pm – 12:00 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. 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.
by Chad Jocius | Mar 20, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Monday, April 22, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Join us at the Heide Observatory for an immersive program kicking off our Earth Week events at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and arboretum. Discover the significance of dark skies through engaging activities, including stargazing, telescope observations, and hands-on demonstrations. Explore the impact of light pollution on humans and wildlife, and learn simple solutions to preserve our natural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, join us as we celebrate Earth Day and nurture our connection to the cosmos and our planet.
This is an open house event so no tickets are required. Activities include :
Telescope viewing
Stargazing – apparent magnitudes
Human eye response to light color and brightness
Isopod light response
If you have any additional questions, please email observatory@hawthornhollow.org. These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Feb 13, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Sunday (Apr. 21) 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm (SOLD OUT) or 11:30 pm – 1:30 am
The Lyrids appear in Chinese writing dating back to roughly 690 BCE, making them one of the earliest meteor showers on record. On the night of April 21, the annual shower will reach its near peak for 2023. The meteor shower is a result of Earth passing through the tail of the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. When our planet moves through this debris field, the space rocks burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, causing spectacular lights to streak across the night sky.
The Lyrids are one of the weaker annual meteor showers visible from Earth. On peak nights, they usually produce no more than 20 shooting stars per hour. The event is also unpredictable: On rare occasions, spectators are treated to incredible surges of up to 100 meteors per hour. For this reason, the Lyrids are worth checking out for diehard astronomy enthusiasts.
Come out to the Heide Observatory and enjoy a relaxing evening in our anti-gravity chairs as we point out the night-sky objects and watch for meteors.
This event is weather-dependent and will be canceled or rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 30%. Reservations can be transferred for any other nightly observatory event.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Tickets for second session (11:30 pm – 1:30 am) here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/884175742447
