Astronomy Day
Astronomy Day 2026
Astronomy Day is a grass roots movement designed to share the joy of astronomy with the general population – “Bringing Astronomy to the People.” On Astronomy Day, this past May 9, people had an opportunity to see first-hand what has so many amateur and professional astronomers all excited. Our club was at Hemlock Crossing during the day and evening.
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Solar observing with the Coronado H-alpha solar scope and 16-inch Meade LX-600 telescopes
- “Planet Walk” along the path by the observatory showing the spacing between planets and information about the planets
- Astronomy exhibits & videos, and various types of telescopes on display in the Nature Education Center
- 7:00 – 8:15 PM
- “Perspectives of Scale” lecture in the Nature Education Center
- 8:15 PM – midnight
- General observing with the 16-inch LX-600 and smaller telescopes at the observatory
- Constellation identification and mythological stories
Eclipse Viewing
Eclipses are special events at Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory and SAAA members are on hand to explain the events and make sure people are safely observing them. The 16-inch Meade SCT can be fitted with a white light solar filter for viewing sunspots, and the Coronado H-alpha scope also allows viewing of prominences on the limb of the sun.
Meteors & S’mores
“Meteors & S’mores” is an annual event held at Holland State Park on or near the peak of the Perseid meteor shower (August 12-13). The park provides the ingredients for the S’mores and SAAA members are on hand to answer questions and point out constellations in the sky. In 2026 Venus and the gold & blue double star, Albireo, were observable in various SAAA member’s telescopes too.
International Observe the Moon Night
An annual celebration of lunar observation, science, and exploration.
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual public outreach event sponsored by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and other NASA and astronomical organizations that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of the Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration. For more information, visit NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night website.
SAAA Club Member BBQ
SAAA club members held a barbeque at Hemlock Crossing County Park on August 15, 2026. Overcast conditions prevented a planned solar observing session, but a good time was had by all.