Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observing Night
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 !