by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Wednesday, April 22, (11:15 pm – 1:15 am)
Join us at the Heide Observatory for the Lyrid Lightshow, a classic spring meteor shower known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional bright fireball. The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth passes through each April as it orbits the Sun. While the Lyrids do not produce the high hourly rates of some summer meteor showers, they reward patient observers with quick, sharp streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky, often flashing suddenly rather than leaving long trails.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan large areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will share tips on where to look, explain why meteor activity can vary throughout the night, and discuss how comet debris creates these fleeting streaks of light.
Meteors are unpredictable by nature, and viewing success depends on sky darkness and atmospheric conditions, but even a handful of sightings can make for a memorable experience under the stars.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes, are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing. Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Reserve your tickets here!
by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Wednesday, April 22, (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Join us at the Heide Observatory for the Lyrid Lightshow, a classic spring meteor shower known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional bright fireball. The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth passes through each April as it orbits the Sun. While the Lyrids do not produce the high hourly rates of some summer meteor showers, they reward patient observers with quick, sharp streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky, often flashing suddenly rather than leaving long trails.
Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan large areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will share tips on where to look, explain why meteor activity can vary throughout the night, and discuss how comet debris creates these fleeting streaks of light.
Meteors are unpredictable by nature, and viewing success depends on sky darkness and atmospheric conditions, but even a handful of sightings can make for a memorable experience under the stars.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes, are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing. Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Reserve your tickets here!
by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
April, 10 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a Comet Watch as we observe Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS), a distant icy visitor from the outer solar system making a rare pass through the inner night sky. During this guided observing session, guests will learn what comets are made of, where they come from, and why their brightness and visibility can change rapidly from night to night.
To maximize our viewing opportunity, we will take a short guided walk to the upper prairie, where we will watch for the comet low in the western sky shortly after sunset as it sets. This portion of the event will focus on naked-eye and binocular-style observing, as the comet’s low altitude and wide field make it better suited to broad sky viewing rather than high-magnification telescope use. Binoculars will be available to help improve our chances of spotting the comet, and we will guide guests on exactly where to look along the horizon.
After the comet sets, guests will return to the observatory for views through our 17-inch telescope, exploring some of the best deep-sky objects visible that evening and enjoying a guided tour of the stars overhead.
Because comets are dynamic and unpredictable, the exact appearance of C/2025 R3 may evolve leading up to the event, making each viewing a unique snapshot in time of an object billions of years old.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)
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: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing.
Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Fridays, (5:00pm – 6:30 pm)
Join us for a captivating evening of exploration at The Heide Observatory with our family-friendly event, “Small Eyes Under the Skies.”
Together, we’ll journey through a scaled model of our solar system across the meadow—an interactive outdoor adventure that reveals the incredible sizes and distances of our celestial neighbors. After our trek, enjoy a breathtaking telescope viewing session, where you’ll witness planets, star clusters, and other cosmic wonders up close.
🌟 Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this stellar experience!
Weather and Attendance Information
In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if fewer tickets are sold than needed to support staffing, the event may be rescheduled.
You’ll receive a confirmation or reschedule notice by email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you haven’t heard from us by then—or would like faster weather updates—please email your number to the observatory team for personal text notifications about your event, and remember to check your spam folder if you have not received a confirmation for emails.
What to Bring
Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for our outdoor “walk through the solar system.” The activity takes place in the open field, so layers and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Thursdays, (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
An Evening of Deep Sky Discovery at The Heide Observatory
Experience the awe and wonder of the cosmos at “Through the Lens,” an immersive night of stargazing at The Heide Observatory.
Step inside the observatory dome to peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope, where you’ll take turns exploring binary stars, distant planets, shimmering galaxies, and other celestial marvels.
While you await your turn inside, enjoy an outdoor guided sky tour led by our knowledgeable astronomy staff. Beneath the open sky, you’ll learn to recognize constellations, trace the paths of planets, and connect your observations through the telescope to the grand panorama of the night sky above.
🌟 Tickets are limited, so reserve early for this unforgettable journey through the universe.
Weather and Attendance Information
This program is weather-dependent. In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if ticket sales are too low to fund event staffing, the session will be rescheduled.
Participants will receive a confirmation or reschedule email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event, please check your spam or promotions folder for messages from the observatory.
What to Bring
Please dress for evening outdoor weather, as part of the program takes place outside under the stars. Warm layers and comfortable footwear are recommended.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
by Chad Jocius | Feb 5, 2026 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
Wednesdays, (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
A Relaxing Evening of Stargazing at The Heide Observatory
Unwind beneath the night sky at “Wednesday Under the Stars,” a tranquil and inspiring experience hosted at The Heide Observatory.
Recline in one of our zero-gravity chairs with your favorite beverage in hand and prepare for an unforgettable journey across the cosmos. Our astronomy guides will lead you on a laser-assisted tour of the heavens—revealing brilliant stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other celestial wonders.
As you gaze upward, discover the stories, science, and hidden connections that bring these cosmic objects to life. Sit back, relax, and savor the magic of the universe in this one-of-a-kind evening under the stars.
🌟 Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this peaceful night of discovery and wonder.
Confirmation and Communication
Within 24 hours of purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email verifying your reservation.
If your confirmation has not arrived or if your contact email differs from the one used at checkout, please reach out to observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Weather and Attendance Information
This program is weather-dependent. In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if ticket sales are too low to fund event staffing, the program will be rescheduled.
Participants will receive an email notification at least 24 hours before the event regarding any schedule changes.
What to Bring
Please dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather. We recommend layers and comfortable clothing for an evening of relaxed stargazing.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
