✨ 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.

Reserve your tickets here!

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.

Get your tickets here!

Questions?

Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org

November 6, 2026 (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)

Join us at the Heide Observatory for Fireball Frenzy: Taurids, an evening meteor event focused on one of the most unusual and visually striking meteor showers of the year.

The Taurid meteor shower originates from debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke, producing fewer meteors overall but a higher chance of slow-moving, exceptionally bright fireballs that can linger in the sky. Taurid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Taurus, though their long paths allow them to be seen across much of the sky. Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing.

For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan wide areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will explain why the Taurids are associated with larger debris fragments, how fireballs form, and what makes this shower different from higher-rate meteor events. While activity can be sporadic and unpredictable, the Taurids offer the potential for some of the most dramatic individual meteors of the year under clear skies.

🔔 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.

Get your tickets here!

Questions?

Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org