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
Wednesdays Under the Stars July 2026
Wednesdays 9:00 pm – 11:00 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.
Through the Lens August 2026
Thursdays: (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm) August 6, 13 (8:30 pm – 10:30 pm) August 20, 27
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.
Small Eyes Under the Skies August 2026
Fridays: 7:30 pm – 9:00 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.
Wednesdays Under the Stars August 2026
Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:30 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.
Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp
✨ Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp – August 29 ✨
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp is a one-night astronomy experience at the Heide Observatory designed exclusively for adults who want to explore space science through hands-on demonstrations, exciting launches, and guided observing—without tests, equations, or homework. Participants will take part in rocket launches, air cannon demonstrations, and interactive activities that illustrate real space science concepts in an approachable and entertaining way. The evening also includes telescope viewing and a guided night sky lesson that connects what you see overhead to how scientists and engineers study the universe. Whether you are a longtime space enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a relaxed, engaging way to experience astronomy through action, exploration, and wonder.
Space is limited—reserve your ticket now for a night of science, adventure, and stars!
For questions about this or other events, email us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Dragonfire Skies: Draconids
October 9, 2026 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Dragonfire Skies: Draconids, an early-evening meteor observing event featuring one of the most unpredictable meteor showers of the year.
The Draconid meteor shower is produced by debris from Comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner and is known for occasional outbursts rather than steady activity, with meteor rates that can vary significantly from year to year. Draconid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Draco, and unlike many meteor showers, they are best observed early in the evening, shortly after sunset.
Tickets include access to our anti-gravity chairs, providing a relaxed and comfortable way to watch the sky. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from bright lights and scan large sections of the sky, as Draconids often appear suddenly and briefly. Observatory staff will discuss why this shower behaves differently from others, how comet dust trails create sudden meteor bursts, and what makes the Draconids a unique and occasionally surprising skywatching experience. While this is typically a lower-rate shower, even a small number of meteors can make for a memorable early-night observing session when conditions are favorable.
🔔 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.
Questions?
Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org