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
Beneath the Cosmos April 2023
Mondays, April 2, 9 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm), April 16, 23 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
Relax in a zero-gravity chair while we guide you through the night sky, using our laser pointer to show you stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other objects of interest while explaining their relationships and significance.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Wine Wednesdays Under the Stars April 2023
Wednesdays, April 5, 12 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm); April 19, 26 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
Relax in a zero-gravity chair with your own wine or beverage you bring while we guide you through the night sky, using our laser pointer to show you stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other objects of interest while explaining their relationships and significance.
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%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Through the Lens April 2023
Thursdays, April 6, 13 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm); April 21, 28 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
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.
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%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Small Eyes Under the Skies April 2023
Fridays, April 8, 15 (7:30 pm – 9:00 pm); April 22, 29 (8:00 pm – 9:30 pm)
Bring the family out to the Heide Observatory and take a trip through the solar system on the meadow as we learn about the size and distance of our closest neighbors. Take our interactive trip followed by an adventure through the telescope to view the planets and other amazing objects. “Space” is limited so reserve your tickets early.
In the event of cloud cover of more than 40% we will reschedule the event. Look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours prior to the event date.
Contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org for group/family rate discounts.
Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field).
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
March Equinox 2023 Party
Saturday, April 1 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hawthorn Hollow and the Heide Observatory invite you to celebrate the 2023 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 Saturday, April 1, starting at 6:00 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 cloud cancellation, a backup date is scheduled for Saturday, April 15.
Please contact us by e-mail for more information or discounted group rates.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Orion the Hunter April 2023
Friday (April 7) 9:00 pm – 11:00 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.