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
by Chad Jocius | Feb 12, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Monday, April 8 (12:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
Save the date – April 8, 2024 – for an extraordinary celestial event as a total solar eclipse graces North America, traversing across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Witness the magic unfold as the Moon positions itself perfectly between the Sun and Earth, creating a breathtaking shadow that temporarily darkens the sky, reminiscent of a dawn or dusk experience.
In Wisconsin, we’re gearing up for a remarkable 90% eclipse, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all. Our preparations include an array of devices and solar telescopes, guaranteeing that everyone can marvel at this celestial phenomenon without compromising safety. Join us on this cosmic journey as we explore the historical and cultural significance of total solar eclipses over time.
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.
Reserve your tickets here!
Incase of inclimate weather or cloud cover we will be live streaming the event inside the Nature Center at Hawthorn Hollow.
by William Parker | Feb 12, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Tuesday, March 19 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hawthorn Hollow and the Heide Observatory invite you to celebrate the 2024 passing of the Sun into the northern celestial hemisphere and the first equal length day and night for this year.
Join us at the Heide Observatory on the night of Tuesday, March 19, starting at 6:30 pm for a March equinox party and simultaneously come experience the currently largest public-serving telescope in southeastern Wisconsin.
Your ticket will include: a walk to the restored prairie to view the sunset and look at the planets currently in the west through telescope and binoculars, a guided tour through the meadow solar system model, and views of the sky through our largest telescope along with a night-time sky tour of other celestial objects. Beverages and snacks will be included and the excess proceeds for the event will benefit the ongoing mission of the observatory.
In the event of inclimate weather the backup date will Saturday, March 23.
Please contact us by e-mail for more information or discounted group rates.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org
by Chad Jocius | Dec 19, 2023 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
February 9, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
When you gaze up at the night sky, through the veil of stars and the plane of the Milky Way close by, you can’t help but feel small before the grand abyss of the Universe that lies beyond. Even though nearly all of them are invisible to our eyes, our observable Universe, extending tens of billions of light years in all directions, contains a fantastically large number of galaxies within it.
The Andromeda Galaxy is the most distant object readily visible to the naked eye. It is 2.5 million light-years away. The light from it that we see right now is 2.5 million years old. We are therefore seeing the Andromeda Galaxy as it was at a time long before modern humans existed!
Come out to The Heide Observatory and we will take you on a tour of visible galaxies going back in time millions of years.
Take turns looking through our 17-inch telescope at binary stars, dim planets, distant galaxies, and other sky objects. Between individual views in the observatory dome, receive a guided sky tour standing outside under the stars to appreciate the broader picture of what you see through the telescope.
This event is weather-dependent and will be canceled by e-mail 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for lying still in nighttime cold outdoor weather. Warm beverages, many-layered clothing, and sleeping bags are all well-advised.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
