The Charles and Kathryn Heide Schoolyard Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow features a PlaneWave CDK17 telescope on an L-500 Series mount in an automated dome as well as two mounts for smaller telescopes outside the dome. The observatory hosts daytime and nighttime field trips & classes, scout merit badge workshops as well as star parties. Please send inquiries or requests for events to:
observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Small Eyes Under the Skies March 2025
Fridays, (7:00pm – 8:30 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.
Wednesdays Under the Stars April 2025
Wednesdays, (8:00 pm – 10:00 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.
Through the Lens April 2025
Thursdays, (8:00 pm – 10:00 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.
Small Eyes Under the Skies April 2025
Fridays, (7:00pm – 8:30 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.
Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower May 2025
Sunday, May 4, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
Join us at The Heidi Observatory for a mesmerizing celestial experience! The Eta Aquariids, one of two meteor showers originating from Halley’s comet, will grace the night sky with their splendor. These meteors streak through the atmosphere at an astonishing speed of about 148,000 miles per hour, earning the Eta Aquariids the reputation of being one of the fastest meteor showers.
During its peak, we typically enjoy between 20 and 30 meteors per hour, providing a captivating display for all who observe. Relax in our anti-gravity chairs and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky as we watch the meteors cascade overhead, while also pointing out other fascinating celestial objects.
Each 2-hour session will be confirmed by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, contingent upon the cloud cover forecast (less than 40%). In the event of inclement weather, tickets are transferable for any observatory nightly event.
Reserve tickets here for 10 pm
If the email used to purchase tickets is different from your regular email, please check that email or contact me at the address below.
Do you have any questions or inquiries? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you!
Dark Skies April 2025
Tuesday, April 22 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Join us for “Dark Skies,” an interactive event dedicated to exploring and understanding light pollution and its impact on our environment and night sky visibility. Through a series of interactive stations, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to illuminate the causes and effects of light pollution, as well as discover practical solutions to mitigate its presence in our communities. This event promises an enlightening experience for all ages, fostering awareness and inspiring action towards preserving our natural nightscapes. We will also have telescopes available for viewing of some of the fantastic spring-time deep sky objects.
We invite you to support our upcoming event through a donation-based ticket reservation system. To reserve your ticket, please click here.
Please note that Eventbrite processes one ticket per transaction. After completing your donation, kindly email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org to inform us of the total number of participants in your group. This information is crucial for us to allocate sufficient volunteers and enhance the event experience. As the event will be held outdoors during April evenings, we recommend dressing appropriately for nighttime temperatures. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Wednesday, April 23, at 8:00 PM.