Contact the Observatory

Email is the best way to reach our staff and receive a prompt response.

Please email: observatory@hawthornhollow.org

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

Wednesday Under the Stars
October 28 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Through the Lens
October 29 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Wednesday Under the Stars
November 4 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Through the Lens
November 5 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Small Eyes Under the Skies
November 6 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesdays Under the Stars November 2026

Wednesdays: 5:30 pm – 7:30 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.

Small Eyes Under the Skies November 2026

Fridays: 4:30 pm – 6:00 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.

Through the Lens November 2026

Thursdays: 5:30 pm – 7:30 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.

Fireball Frenzy: Taurids

November 6, 2026 (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)

Join us at the Heide Observatory for Fireball Frenzy: Taurids, an evening meteor event focused on one of the most unusual and visually striking meteor showers of the year.

The Taurid meteor shower originates from debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke, producing fewer meteors overall but a higher chance of slow-moving, exceptionally bright fireballs that can linger in the sky. Taurid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Taurus, though their long paths allow them to be seen across much of the sky. 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 wide areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will explain why the Taurids are associated with larger debris fragments, how fireballs form, and what makes this shower different from higher-rate meteor events. While activity can be sporadic and unpredictable, the Taurids offer the potential for some of the most dramatic individual meteors of the year under clear skies.

🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Winter)

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 event.

Email Communication Is Critical:

All weather updates, cancellations, or rescheduling notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is correct and check spam or promotions folders. If you purchased tickets using a different email than you regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.

Dress for Cold, Stationary Observing:

This is an outdoor, late evening or early-morning event. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Multiple layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, blankets, or sleeping bags are strongly recommended. Warm beverages are encouraged.

Get your tickets here!

Questions?

Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org

Time Travel Through the Universe

November 20, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

When you gaze up at the night sky, beyond the veil of stars and the glowing plane of the Milky Way, you are also looking backward in time.

Join us at the Heide Observatory for Time Travel Through the Universe, an evening dedicated to exploring how distance in space becomes a journey into the past. Although nearly all galaxies are invisible to the naked eye, our observable universe contains hundreds of billions of them, stretching tens of billions of light-years in every direction. Using our 17-inch telescope, we will tour visible galaxies and explain how the light reaching your eyes began its journey millions of years ago. Even the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object most people can see without optical aid, appears to us as it existed 2.5 million years ago, long before modern humans walked the Earth. This guided observing experience blends deep-sky viewing with cosmic perspective, revealing how astronomy allows us to witness the universe as it once was.

🔔 Important Event Information — Late Evening / Overnight Event (Summer)

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:

Weather updates and event notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please double-check that your email is correct and keep an eye on spam or promotions folders. If you purchase tickets using an email you rarely check, the cosmos will not notify you directly.

Comfort & Conditions:

Even on warm summer nights, temperatures can drop after sunset—dress warmer than you think you’ll need. Lower dew points can also lead to damp conditions, so blankets or chairs that can handle moisture are recommended.

Get your tickets here:

Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Geminid Meteor Mash I & II

December 12, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Meteor Mash II, 7:15 pm – 9:15 pm)

Join us at the Heide Observatory for Meteor Mash: Geminids, an evening meteor event featuring one of the most active and consistently impressive meteor showers of the year.

Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids originate from debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, producing frequent, bright meteors with slower speeds and vivid colors that make them especially noticeable. Geminid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, though streaks can be seen across much of the sky, with activity often increasing as the night progresses.

Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the sky in comfort. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, and scan wide sections of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will explain why the Geminids behave differently from comet-based meteor showers and what makes this event one of the most reliable and rewarding meteor displays of the year. As always, meteor viewing depends on clear skies and atmospheric conditions, but patience during the Geminids is often rewarded with frequent and memorable displays.

🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Winter)

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 event.

Email Communication Is Critical:

All weather updates, cancellations, or rescheduling notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is correct and check spam or promotions folders. If you purchased tickets using a different email than you regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.

Dress for Cold, Stationary Observing:

This is an outdoor, late evening or early-morning event. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Multiple layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, blankets, or sleeping bags are strongly recommended. Warm beverages are encouraged.

Get your tickets here:

Meteor Mash I, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Meteor Mash II, 7:15 pm – 9:15 pm

Questions?

Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org