All Weather Event ~ December 14, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

To celebrate 50 years of Space Art History (the main presentation tonight) we will have Artist Laura Rubinsk from Piggy HIll Art Studios inspire us with some artwork. She will have a small group gathering in the Main Lobby of the Visitor center throughout the evening. As in the past, she plans to enchant us with some Art inspired by the sky above.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome

7:30 PM Indoor Demonstration / Piggy Hill Art Studio ~ Main Lobby

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / 50 Years of Space Art History ~ David Walker

8:40 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights ~ Laser Bino-blast highlighting deep sky treasures. Bring your binoculars! , Ted Williams

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes , Event Ends

All Weather Event ~ November 9, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!
Veteran’s Appreciation Night!

In November we are proud to recognize our Veterans and commemorate them with our guest presenter from the War College focusing our presentation on the Space Force.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Globe at Night~ Citizens Science Project

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Veterans appreciation Presentation

8:40 PM Outdoor Presentation / Planet Report, Stellarium ~ Jarred Claar

9:00PM Outdoor Presentation /Celestial Highlights: Laser Guided Star Tour Bino-Blast | Bring your binoculars to enhance your view! ~ Ted Williams, Ryan Arbeiter

9:30 PM Visitor Center closes

9:45 PM Last call for observatories / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

10:00 PM Event Ends

All Weather Event ~ October 12, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

The Planets have returned to our night sky. To mark their return we share a musical experience by Gustav Holst; The Planets. Lori Weidner will guide us through the Mythological Aspects with Ted Williams serving up the scientific understanding. Lori will then guide us through the music with selections from each of the planet suites of music.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation
The Planets : Current Science/ Mythological Aspects Lori Weidner, Ted Williams

8:40 PM Outdoor Presentation / The Planets, Music by Gustav Holst ~ Under the Stars

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights laser guided binocular blast.

9:45 PM Visitor Center closes

9:45 PM Last call for observatories / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

10:00 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
October 5, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, and those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
September 28, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, and those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
September 21, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ September 14, 2024
International Observe the Moon Night
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

Join us as we celebrate the Moon. Our focus will be on the moon as will our presentations. We open the observatories at 7:15 PM. Indoor presentations start at 7:30 PM. For the outdoor presentation (weather permitting), dress warm as we are usually a few degrees cooler due to rural location. Lawn chairs or blankets are great for sitting on outdoor amphitheater risers. Bring a pair of binoculars to see deep sky wonders by following our laser guided sky tour.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Globe at Night
7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Phases of the Moon / Demonstration ~ Ed Rolden
7:50 PM Indoor Presentation / Lunar Rotation / Demonstration ~ Luke Vandevere
8:00 PM Indoor Presentation / Solar and Lunar Eclipses / Demonstrations ~ Dan Mead
8:10 PM Indoor Presentation / Other Moons / Europa Mission ~ Al Ryan

8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocky the Space Tortoise ~ Dawn Brooks
8:55 PM Outdoor Presentation / Lunar Geography ~ Ted Williams
9:05 PM Outdoor Presentation /Celestial Highlights, Laser Blast. Bring your binoculars and follow the guiding laser beam to find deep sky wonders. (Weather Permitting)

9:45 PM Last call for Observation /Visitor Center closes
10:00 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 31, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 29, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Nighthawking ~ To work or Play after Dark.  Join us for a 2 mile hike at night through some of the thickest wooded areas of Muddy Run Park.  Two star orientations (South and North) along with wildlife spotting and a few dark adaptation demonstrations round out our evening walk. Bring your binoculars.

Base camp (where we meet and return) is the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 24, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 22, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
August 17, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
August 16, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~August 10, 2024
Perseid Meteor Shower
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing Starts (weather permitting)
7:130 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome-Orientation
7:40 PM Indoor Presentation(s) / Members Present Various Topics (Build or Purchase a Telescope? / Proper Polar Alignment / Why are Things Round? / Perseid Meteor Shower / Steppin to the Stars (behind the magic)
8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science
9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights Laser Tour, Bring your Binoculars!
10:00 PM Visitor Center closes
10:05 PM Last Call for Observing
10:00 PM Event Ends

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Nighthawking ~ To work or Play after Dark.  Join us for a 2 mile hike at night through some of the thickest wooded areas of Muddy Run Park.  Two star orientations (South and North) along with wildlife spotting and a few dark adaptation demonstrations round out our evening walk. Bring your binoculars.

Base camp (where we meet and return) is the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering July 27, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Nighthawking ~ To work or Play after Dark.  Join us for a 2 mile hike at night through some of the thickest wooded areas of Muddy Run Park.  Two star orientations (South and North) along with wildlife spotting and a few dark adaptation demonstrations round out our evening walk.  Bring your binoculars.

Base camp (where we meet and return) is the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering July 26, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering July 20, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~July 13, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

Each month since April we have been asked a common question at each open house event. Where are all the Planets? Tonight we will have a presentation to understand our Solar System and why the planets have not been visible at any of our open houses this year.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Globe at Night~ Citizens Science Project

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Greetings from the Solar System ~ Where are all the Planets?

8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Laser Guided Star Tour Bino-Blast Bring your binoculars to enhance your view!

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes

10:15 PM Last call for observatories / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

10:30 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering July 3, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering June 22, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering June 21, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ June 8, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome Citizen Science Project ~ Globe at Night

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation /
Astrophotography: A Brief Introduction~ Dr.  Lydell Nunn

Dr. Nunn offers an introductory presentation on astrophotography, guiding enthusiasts from the most basic setup to building a dedicated astronomy rig. The presentation covers key aspects such as techniques, software, hardware and time management. Designed to be accessible for beginners, the session also offers pathways to more advanced techniques and equipment for those looking to deepen their knowledge of astrophotography.

8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Planet Report - Denise Vacca

9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science - David Walker

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights -Laser Guided Sky Tour (Bring your Binoculars! ~ Ted Williams

9:45 PM Last Call for indoor bathrooms

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes

10:15 PM Last Call for Observation through telescopes

10:30 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering June 1, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering May 28, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering May 25, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering May 24, 2024

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 provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Cloudy Night Event ~ May 11, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observatories open, telescope views weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Citizens Science Project: Globe at Night

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights

8:00 PM Indoor Activities / Universe Hall, Visitor Center

8:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Astronomy Trivia

8:40 PM Observatories Close

9:15 PM Visitor Center closes , Event Ends