Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:55 PM
Civil Dusk-8:24 / Nautical Dusk-8:59 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:36
Nightfall 9:36 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:49 PM
Civil Dusk-8:17 / Nautical Dusk-8:51 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:28
Nightfall 9:28 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted at 9:30 PM.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

Woman’s History Month (March) has just passed so we thought to have our female astronomers take the lead tonight.  Dress warm as some presentations will be outside weather permitting. Tonight is conducted rain or shine.

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation: “Space Rocks (and Roll)” by Roxanne Kamin- Ryan Astronomer.

• 8:05 PM -Indoor / Outdoor Presentation: Citizen Science Project - Globe at Night

• 8:05 PM -Lobby Presentation on video by our Poet Lauriat

• 8:30 PM - Outdoor Presentation: Planet Report by Denise Vacca

• 8:45 PM - Guided night sky tour “Bino-Blast” Conducted by Olivia Hickey,
  Renee Stein and Ted Williams

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM -Event Ends
  

Volunteers are always needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.  Members are always welcome to set up their telescopes and assist the attending public with the view.

Eclipse After Party!

Portal Opens 7:15 PM
Event Starts 7:30 PM
Members will be e-mailed Zoom invite and codes.

April brings a virtual gathering together via Zoom.  Members will be the stars tonight.  “astroQuora” is an open forum for members and volunteers to share and connect.  Share your eclipse pictures, panoramas, experiences and what you learned!

Great North American Eclipse
All interested are invited to attend
Maximum Coverage 91% Yields 89.8% Obscuration
3:22:04 PM

Eclipse Starts ~ 2:06:12 PM
Mid-Eclipse ~ 3:22:04 PM
Eclipse complete ~ 4:33:39 PM

Observatory Open House!  Although telescopes are not needed to view the Eclipse, we offer a good spot to gather and observe.  Astro-photographers, Astronomers, Astronomy Enthusiasts all encouraged to gather and share the view.  Visitor center will be open with science activities.

Live Streaming in the Visitor Center will be provided indoors if the skies are overcast or raining.

Volunteers are needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:27 PM
Civil Dusk-7:54 / Nautical Dusk-8:26 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:59
Nightfall 8:59 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted at 9:30 PM.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:21 PM
Civil Dusk-7:49 / Nautical Dusk-8:20 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:53
Nightfall 8:53 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:20 PM
Civil Dusk-7:48 / Nautical Dusk-8:19 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:52

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society is gathering for its monthly event
LIVE at Arcadia University
450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
Bring your Binoculars for Rooftop Bino-Blast
LASER guided star tour

This will only be conducted live (no streaming) and is another chance for members to gather. This event is open to members and those interest in membership. The student astronomy club is meeting at the rooftop observatory and we plan to join them. A new world of smart telescopes is evolving quickly. The astronomy department at Arcadia has two Unistellar smart scopes. Rittenhouse members plan to bring along the new ZWO Seestar S-50 smart telescope.

If your interested in easy astrophotography this may be the night to attend! We plan to review advantages and disadvantages of both scopes as we observe from the rooftop observatory.

Messier Marathon Night Clouded Out
Consider conducting your personal Marathon
March 8 thru 15

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

A Hybrid Event:
Preparing for our Messier Marathon
Members Gather by Zoom (7:30 PM)
or
Observe in Person at Ryan Observatory (Sunset )

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 5:39 PM
Civil Dusk-6:07 / Nautical Dusk-6:39 / Astronomical Dusk-7:10
Nightfall 7:10 PM

We will have volunteers in the observatory on-line on Zoom, and conduct a members forum to participate virtually.  You are welcome to attend virtually or bring you astronomy gear to observe in person.

Our upcoming Messier Marathon is scheduled for March 9. Tonight’s focus will be on how to conduct your own personal Messier Marathon. What’s the “marathon” all about? Are their rules? Can I observe from the Observatory that night? Members encouraged to share tips and tricks to accomplish a successful marathon night.,

Attending in Person? The park gate closes at Sunset. Arrival before sunset encouraged. Park gate is upen till sunset.  We will open the gate at again at 6:30, again at 7:00.  No arrival permitted after true Nightfall as arriving headlights disrupt observing.

Cars may line up roadside if at your arrival gate is closed. Park and Campground are now closed after sunset.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is closed and gated for the season. 
Park is closed nightly during winter months.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Check back here as Observing Opportunities arise and are posted
when volunteers and weather align !

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observing Night

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 5:26  PM
Civil Dusk-5:55 / Nautical Dusk-6:27 / Astronomical Dusk-6:59
Nightfall 6:59 PM

Park and Campground are now closed after sunset when the park gate closes. Arrival before sunset encouraged. An observatory volunteer will ensure a gate opening 5:30 PM, again at 6:15 PM, and 6:45 PM. No arrival permitted after as arriving cars (headlights) disrupt observing.

Cars may line up roadside if at your arrival gate is closed.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Happy New Year !
Portal Opens 7:15 PM
Event Starts 7:30 PM
Members will be e-mailed Zoom invite and codes.

We start up the 2024 with a virtual gathering together via Zoom.  Members will be the stars tonight.  “astroQuora” is an open forum for members and volunteers to share and connect.

Special Report from our live crew at Ryan Observatory.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observing Night

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 4:53 PM
Civil Dusk-5:23 / Nautical Dusk-5:57 / Astronomical Dusk-6:30
Nightfall 6:30 PM

The park gate closes at Sunset. Arrival before sunset encouraged. An observatory volunteer will ensure a gate opening at 5:00 PM, again at 6:00 PM, and 6:30 PM. No arrival permitted after true Nightfall as arriving headlights disrupt observing.

Cars may line up roadside if at your arrival gate is closed. Park and Campground are now closed after sunset.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is closed and gated for the season. 
Park is closed nightly during winter months.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Check back here as Observing Opportunities arise and are posted
when volunteers and weather align !

Road Trip To Mallon Planetarium
Arcola Intermediate School ~ Methacton School District

This will be a Live event. Members, family and their guests, and those interested in membership are welcome to attend.

Methacton School District will be re-opening their fully renovated digitally enhanced planetarium this Fall.  Below are some pictures from the past.  We salute the district in its longstanding support of Science Education extending to all grade levels in the district as well as the community.  

Come out and see the newly upgraded Planetarium!

Winter Solstice Celebration Time
Enticing the Return of the Sun
All interested are invited to attend
7:30 PM All Weather Event
A special presentation by Denise Vacca as we prepare for the Winter Solstice. 

A guided night sky tour “Bino-Blast” which will be conducted in the amphitheater after the presentation if clear. Bring your binoculars as we laser point to deep sky objects visible in the dark skies over the observatory. Those with binoculars can follow the beam out to find deep sky sights (open clusters, globular clusters, double stars.)

Volunteers are needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.

Ryan Observatory and telescopes open weather permitting.

All interested are invited to attend
Rain or Shine Event

Guest Presenter: Colonel Jonathan Shea
Army War College
Update and Overview of
Space Force & US Army’s Plans
7:30 PM

Our Planet Report and Rocket Science segments will follow!

Observatory viewing begins at 7:15 pm. Bring your binoculars as we laser point to deep sky objects visible in the dark skies over the observatory. This “Bino-Blast” will be conducted in the amphitheater after the presentations skies permitting. Those with binoculars can follow the beam to find deep sky sights (open clusters, globular clusters, double stars.)

Volunteers are needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.

Observatory and telescopes open weather permitting.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observing Night

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 4:52 PM !
Civil Dusk-5:21 / Nautical Dusk-5:53 / Astronomical Dusk-6:25
Nightfall 6:25 PM

The park gate closes at Sunset. Arrival before sunset encouraged. An observatory volunteer will open the gate at 5:00 PM, again at 6:00 PM, and 6:30 PM. No arrival permitted after true Nightfall as arriving headlights disrupt observing.

Cars may line up roadside if at your arrival gate is closed. Park and Campground are now closed after sunset.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is closed and gated for the season. 
Park is closed nightly during winter months.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Check back here as Observing Opportunities arise and are posted
when volunteers and weather align !

Live Stream Event over Zoom
7:30 PM

This will be a Live-Streamed event. Members will have Zoom access codes, visitors can follow us on our YouTube Channel. More information will be posted about his talk, check back here!

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 6:08 PM
Civil Dusk-6:36 / Nautical Dusk-7:07 / Astronomical Dusk-7:39
Nightfall 7:39 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested 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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

RAS On Location
Observe the Moon at Columbus Square Park
Open to all interested
Special Moon Presentation:
Moon Music in our Media
by Lori Weidner
7:15-7:45 PM / Again at 8:15-8:45 PM

Sunset-6:12 PM
Civil Dusk-6:40 PM / Nautical Dusk-7:11 PM / Astronomical Dusk-7:43 PM
Nightfall-7:43 PM

Bring your blankets, binoculars and lawn chairs! Join us observing the moon for International Observe the Moon Night.Telescope views will be provided by amateur astronomers. Bring your own gear for a personalized view. In case of clouds or rain, musical presentation will be conducted indoors.

RAS Road Trip to Rowan University

Open to all interested. Live IN PERSON
Members, their Guests and family
Those interested in Membership
7:30 PM

Some amazing upgrades have been completed since our last visit a few years back. They offer live stargazing and immersive 360-degree digital all sky video projection.

We are there to enjoy the facility, this will not be live-streamed. It is LIVE!

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 6:52 PM
Civil Dusk-7:21 PM / Nautical Dusk-7:55 PM / Astronomical Dusk-8:30 PM
Nightfall 8:30 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset (7:15 PM) for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:05 PM
Civil Dusk-7:34 PM / Nautical Dusk-8:09 PM / Astronomical Dusk-8:44 PM
Nightfall 8:44 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset (7:12 PM) for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

All Weather Event

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:07 PM
Civil Dusk-7:36 PM / Nautical Dusk-8:11 PM / Astronomical Dusk-8:46 PM
Nightfall 8:46 PM

Shine at Sunset

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset (7:12 PM) for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Cloudy or Rain at Sunset

Observatory Operation Orientation : Ted and Jarred will be on hand for current members who wish to learn how to operate our telescope. We do not need a clear sky to teach others the functions of the software to control the telescope. We will meet inside Dome 1 from 7:30-9:00 PM. If no one shows up by 8:00, we will close up shop.

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:12 PM
Civil Dusk-7:39 PM / Nautical Dusk-8:11 PM / Astronomical Dusk-8:43 PM
Nightfall 9:11 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset (7:12 PM) for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted during Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Welcome Back!
Portal Opens 7:15 PM
Event Starts 7:30 PM
Members have been e-mailed Zoom invite and codes.

We start up the 2023-24 academic year with a virtual gathering together via Zoom.  Members will be the stars tonight.  “astroQuora” is an open forum for members and volunteers to share and connect.

Special Report from Ted Williams[CANCELLED] as he travels to Wyoming to conduct a Rittenhouse Star Excursion.  

[PROGRAM NOTE] : Ted did not make it! Broke down north of Pittsburg. So sorry to those at the lodge expecting a final star watch. Lodge is now being sold, unsure if it will open again at this point.  

All interested are invited to attend
All Weather Event

Bring you lawn chairs and binoculars as we meet outside in the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater.

A guided night sky tour “Bino-Blast” which will be conducted in the amphitheater if clear. Bring your binoculars as we laser point to deep sky objects visible in the dark skies over the observatory. Those with binoculars can follow the beam out to find deep sky sights (open clusters, globular clusters, double stars.)

Volunteers are needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.

Observatory and telescopes open weather permitting.

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:36 PM
Civil Dusk-8:04 PM / Nautical Dusk-8:37 PM / Astronomical Dusk-9:11 PM
Nightfall 9:11 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted at Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Shine at Sunset Only Event.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:38 PM
Civil Dusk-8:06 PM / Nautical Dusk-8:39 PM / Astronomical Dusk-9:13 PM
Nightfall 9:13 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests (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 members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open.

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be available to dim lights at sunset for dark sky observation and photography. A laser guided sky orientation will be conducted at Nautical Twilight.

The campground is open for those who wish to stay the night. Campsites are 1/2 mile from observatory in a wooded location with obstructed views of the sky. Registration and campsite rental information link here. 

Please note there is no sleeping in personal vehicles at the observatory.