An Observatory Designed With The Community In Mind
Open House
All Interested Welcome!
December 14, 2024
Observatories open at 7:15 PM for observation. An indoor program is conducted at 7:30 PM. The program could include preview of an astronomical event, Science Tidbit, Astronomy Artifact, Rocket Science Report, Ryan Observatory update or a guest presenter.
Weather permitting we continue in the outdoor Amphitheater at 8:40 PM. with a Rocket Science presentation and a Laser Blast (guided Constellation Tour at 9:00 PM). Those attending are encouraged to bring their binoculars to see deep sky sights.
Last call for observations with the telescopes is 10:15 as event ends at 10:30 PM
Observation Opportunity
Check back as these are posted when volunteers and weather align!
Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory.
This opportunity is provided if clear skies are prevalent at sunset. The amphitheater offers a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.
NO PRESENTATIONS OR AGENDA, just fellow amateur astronomers using their own gear to observe the night sky.
Sleeping overnight at observatory is not permitted. Muddy Run Campground is now open for the season. Most sites have obstructed sky views.
Future Open Houses
Conducted second Saturday
of the Month
Winter Break
April 12, 2025
May 10, 2025
Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run is a public outreach facility with programming designed for S.T.E.A.M. outreach and featuring astronomical sciences. Located at Muddy Run Park, It is a Constellation Energy Generation LLC property located in Holtwood, Pennsylvania just south of Lancaster.
Ryan Observatory and educational programs are provided by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society under contract with Constellation Energy.
The observatory is open to the public for monthly stargazing and presentations and are open on scheduled private nights for members of Rittenhouse Astronomical Society and others from around the region whose volunteering make programming possible.
Contact us for rates and availability of public tours: 717-284-5856
LATEST NEWS
Ada Limón, featured in our August program for the poem “In Praise of Mystery” that was placed on NASA’s probe to Jupiter’s moon Europa, was just awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant.
Masks within Observatories are no longer required. Masks are available to all who wish to wear one.
Ryan Observatory featured in Summer Balance magazine.
All events are conducted by Volunteers and volunteering is easy! Just click on the Events and Volunteering Tab.
Or, click on the Contact Tab for more information on the benefits of being a volunteer and we will guide you through the process.
Mike Witkoski is the latest Featured Contributor. Mike is an ever-present fixture on public starwatch nights with his own telescope, helping others with theirs and talking about what’s up there in the sky tonight. Click on his name to go to our featured contributors page for other things Mike does for the Observatory.
Night-Hawking
The practice of being out late at night, for work or pleasure. Join a guided night hike with astronomers.
[ Hike is approximately 1.5 hours ]
[ Register ]
Telescope Workshop
Do you have a new telescope or one that you need assistance with? Join us with your telescope gear to get a greater understanding of how this tool works. Tools require calibration or adjustments that you can make to ease and enhance your view.
