by William Parker | Sep 16, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
Tuesday (November 26) 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what someone standing in the same spot in the past saw and thought when they looked up?
500 years ago contact between Europeans and Indigenous Americans of the time changed the world, resulting in the collapse of Aztec and Inca empires and triggering a hemispheric pandemic that may have caused the Little Ice Age which ensued. Prior to this contact, indigenous American conceptions of the sky had no input from the astronomical ideas circulating in the rest of the world.
On Tuesday, November 26, in a series of short, five-to-fifteen-minute presentations by UW-Parkside students currently enrolled in the Astronomy of Native America course, we will explore the range of astronomical understanding and beliefs among indigenous groups of the Americas from the Inuit peoples of the Arctic to the Maya, the most astronomical advanced civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
Presentations begin at 7:00 pm and proceed until completion, estimated around 9:30 pm. Questions are welcome at the end of each presentation. Weather-permitting, the presentations will be given outside the Heide Observatory dome (directions here), and the observatory will be open afterward for a brief tour and night-time sky viewing. In the event of rain, the presentations will be held inside the Hawthorn Hollow Nature Center.
Have questions? Please contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
For reservations click here
by Chad Jocius | Aug 23, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
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.
by Chad Jocius | Aug 23, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
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.
by Chad Jocius | Aug 23, 2024 | Education, Observatory, Observatory Events, Repeating
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.
by Chad Jocius | Aug 5, 2024 | Observatory, Observatory Events, One-Time
August 31, 3:00 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
Join us at The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for a celestial treat! Early mornings in August offer the perfect opportunity to witness the planets rising just before the break of dawn. Marvel at the sight of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and perhaps even Mercury!
As the sun begins to rise, we’ll gather for a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast (with coffee and juice available) while soaking in the serene morning ambiance of Hawthorn Hollow. Please note that the image above may not accurately depict the pancakes served, but rest assured, we’ll do our best to tantalize your taste buds!
This event is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the forecast shows more than 40% cloud cover. As the event is scheduled early, please check the email you used to purchase tickets before heading out.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Weather backup night will be the very next morning 09/01 at 3:00 am.
Get your tickets here. Tickets for this special event are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today!
Contact us with any questions Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
We look forward to sharing this enchanting experience with you!
