Look Up!
The Charles and Kathryn Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow features a PlaneWave CDK17 telescope on an L-Series 500 mount in an automated dome as well as two mounts for smaller telescopes outside the dome. The observatory, located on the meadow at the center of the arboretum at Hawthorn Hollow, hosts daytime and nighttime field trips & classes, scout merit badge workshops as well as star parties and astrophotography projects. Please send inquiries or requests for events to:
observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Upcoming Events
Through the Lens
December 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
December 13 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pmWednesday Under the Stars
December 18 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmThrough the Lens
December 19 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
December 20 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Small Eyes Under the Skies December 2024
Fridays, (5:00pm – 6:30 pm)
Join us for a captivating astronomical adventure at The Heide Observatory with our “Small Eyes Under the Skies” event, perfect for the whole family. Explore the wonders of our solar system as we embark on an interactive journey across the meadow, investigating the sizes and distances of our nearest celestial neighbors. Following this engaging experience, prepare for an unforgettable telescope adventure where you’ll witness the beauty of planets and other extraordinary celestial objects up close. With limited space available, be sure to secure your tickets early to guarantee a spot for this stellar exploration.
In the event of cloud cover of more than 40% or too few tickets are sold to fund staffing for the event, we will reschedule. Look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours prior to the event date.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field).
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Through the Lens December 2024
Thursdays, (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Experience the awe-inspiring “Through the Lens” event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life. Peer into the depths of the universe using our powerful 17-inch telescope, taking turns to observe binary stars, elusive planets, ethereal galaxies, and an array of captivating celestial objects. As you await your individual view inside the observatory dome, join our knowledgeable guides outside under the stars for a guided sky tour. Gain a broader perspective and deepen your appreciation of the universe as you absorb the enchanting panorama of the night sky, connecting the dots between what you witness through the lens and the grand tapestry of the cosmos.
These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%, or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Wednesdays Under the Stars December 2024
Wednesdays, (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Enjoy a relaxing Wednesday Under the Stars hosted at the Heide Observatory. Sink into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage in hand, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the night sky. Our expert guides will illuminate celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in the enthralling stories of these objects as we unravel their relationships and delve into their deeper significance. Gaze and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.
Within 24 hours of purchase, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. If your email address differs from the one used to purchase tickets, or 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% or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
The Geminid Meteor Mash December 2024
Saturday, December 14 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM or 7:15 PM – 9:15 PM)
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year! They streak through the sky every minute or two all night. It is unique because the meteors are visible all night long, since the constellation Gemini arises just an hour or two after nightfall. Most meteor showers require you to wait until midnight or pre-dawn for the best viewing. The constellation Gemini is the radiant of the Geminid meteor shower, which means that it is the meteor shower’s point of origin. The Geminid meteors will appear to fall away from the constellation Gemini.
This is the best meteor shower of the year so reserve these limited tickets early!
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 being still in nighttime cold outdoor weather.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Orion the Hunter 2025
Friday (February 7) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
While the Orion constellation is named after the hunter in Greek mythology, it is anything but stealthy.
Orion, which is located on the celestial equator, is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations in the sky and can be seen throughout the world. Come on an adventure through the Orion constellation at the Heide Observatory. We will explore the unique stars that make up the Orion constellation and discover other wonders within as we take turns observing through our 17-inch telescope.
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.
Each 2-hour session will be confirmed by email at least 24 hours before scheduled according to the cloud cover forecast (< 30%). Tickets are transferable for any observatory nightly event in cases of poor weather conditions.
Reserve tickets here!
Have questions? Please contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Lunar occultation of Mars
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.
Visit
880 Green Bay Road
Kenosha, WI 53140
Admisson is Free
Trail Donation Suggested
Hours
OPEN:
March 1 – Oct. 31
8:00 – 5:00
Nov. 1 – Dec. 23
8:00 – 4:00
Closed Mondays &
Closed for the Season
December 24 – March 1st
Donate Here
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) that relies on the generosity of donors.