Through the Lens August 2026

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.

Wednesdays Under the Stars July 2026

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.

Planets and Pancakes 2026 (Rescheduled September 5, 3:00 am – 6:00 am)

Planets and Pancakes 2026 (Rescheduled September 5, 3:00 am – 6:00 am)

Rise and shine, the planets are putting on a show!

🌌Join us the morning of September 5 at The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for a one-of-a-kind pre-dawn cosmic adventure. August mornings bring the perfect window to catch planets rising just before sunrise, and we’ll be watching for Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—and maybe even a surprise appearance by Mercury!

After planet-gazing, we’ll welcome the sunrise with a hot pancake and sausage breakfast (yes, coffee and juice too!) while enjoying the peaceful early-morning magic of Hawthorn Hollow. The pancake photo may be a space-level exaggeration, but we promise they’ll still be delicious. 🥞☕

🌤 Weather Watch:
This event is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%. If that happens, the backup date is the very next morning, at 3:00 AM. Because it’s an early start, please check the email used to purchase tickets before heading out.

👕 What to Wear:
Dress for nighttime outdoor conditions, it can be cool before sunrise!

🎟 Tickets are limited, so don’t sleep on this (even though it’s early).
Reserve your spot today and join us for planets, pancakes, and an unforgettable start to the day. Get your tickets here!

📧 Questions? Contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org

We can’t wait to share this magical morning under the stars with you! ✨

Wednesdays Under the Stars July 2026

Wednesdays Under the Stars May 2026

Wednesdays: May 6 & 13 (8:30–10:30 PM); May 20 & 27 (9:00–11:00 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 May 2026

Through the Lens May 2026

Thursdays: May 7 & 14 (8:00–10:00 PM); May 21 & 28 (9:00–11:00 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.