Observation Opportunity
Saturday September 20 , 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:05 PM
Civil Dusk-7:32 / Nautical Dusk- 8:03 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:35 PM
Nightfall 8:35 PM

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

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

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

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation- Welcome ~ Rock Snake Project

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentations -Archeoastronomy

• 8:40 PM -Outdoor Presentation -Weather Dependent, Celestial Highlights Night sky laser light tour if clear (bring your binoculars), indoor sky orientation if cloudy.

• 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.

Ryan Observatory

Bonnie Lawrence-Smith
Thunderbirds in Bighorn Basin Rock Art
Bonneville Archaeology

Virtual Event
Zoom Portal Opens:
7:15 PM
Event Begins 7:30 PM

Recent cable programming shows Ancient Aliens and Secret of Skin Walker Ranch have interpreted Thunderbirds to be possible alien vehicles.  Their appearance next to Spirals is interpreted as a portal in Space/Time.  We thought to reach out to Bonnie who was a guest speaker at High County Lodge next to Medicine Wheel in the Bighorn Mountain range.  She might be able to provide what the accepted archaeological research concerning these Birds of Prey  or Alien Flying Vehicles actually entails.

Current Members will be sent Zoom access codes the day of the event.

Observation Opportunity
Wednesday September 3, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members of any astronomical society, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:32 PM
Civil Dusk-8:00 / Nautical Dusk- 8:33 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:07
Nightfall 9:07 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 29, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:40 PM
Civil Dusk-8:08 / Nautical Dusk- 8:41 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:16
Nightfall 9:16 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 23, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:49 PM
Civil Dusk-8:18 / Nautical Dusk- 8:51/ Astronomical Dusk- 9:27
Nightfall 9:27 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 16, 2025

This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:19 PM
Civil Dusk-8:28 / Nautical Dusk- 9:03/ Astronomical Dusk- 9:40
Nightfall 9:40 PM

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

-10:15 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

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

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation: Welcome: Rock Snake Project~ Dawn Brooks

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation: Luna, A Celebration!~ Lori Weidner, Lets name that Moon Tune

• 9:00 PM - Indoor or Outdoor, Weather Dependent, Perseid Meteor Shower ~ Ted Williams Night sky laser light tour if clear (bring your binoculars), indoor sky orientation if cloudy.

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM - Visitor Center Closes

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 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.

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 2, 2025

This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:17 PM
Civil Dusk-8:47 / Nautical Dusk- 9:24 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:04
Nightfall 10:04 PM

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Friday July 25, 2025
(Alternate) Saturday July 26, 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way.  There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Night sky tour by laser beam will be conducted at Nightfall.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

(7/25/25) Sunset 8:25 PM
Civil Dusk-8:55 / Nautical Dusk- 9:33 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:16
Nightfall 10:16 PM

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday July 19 , 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way.  There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Night sky tour by laser beam will be conducted at Nightfall.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:36 PM
Civil Dusk-9:01 / Nautical Dusk- 9:40 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:23
Nightfall 10:23 PM

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

-10:00 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

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

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation- Astrophotography- Dr. Lydell Nunn

• 9:00 PM - Indoor or Outdoor, Weather Dependent, Rocket Science - David Walker, Celestial Highlights - Ted Williams

• 10:00 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation, Visitor Center Closes

• 10:30 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.

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday July 5 , 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Anyone belonging to any astronomical society who is interested in setting up their personal astronomy gear is welcome to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater.   

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.
 

Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way.  There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.  Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted.  Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:36 PM
Civil Dusk-9:09 / Nautical Dusk- 9:49/ Astronomical Dusk- 10:36
Nightfall 10:36 PM

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday June 21 , 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members and registered Volunteers 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.  Binoculars are considered observing gear.

There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.  A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn of lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.  Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted.  

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:37 PM
Civil Dusk-9:09 / Nautical Dusk- 9:51 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:39
Nightfall 10:39 PM

Ryan Observatory

All Weather Event ~ June 14, 2025
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

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

7:30 PM Indoor Demonstration / Steppin To the Stars

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome

7:35 PM Indoor Presentation /Astronomical Jeopardy

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

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights ~ Laser Bino-blast highlighting deep sky treasures. Bring your binoculars! , Ted Williams

10:15 PM Visitor Center closes , Event Ends

10:15 PM Last view in observatories

10:30 PM Event Ends

Educational Programs by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist with observation and educational interactions.  We welcome amateurs to set up their telescopes and assist the attending public with the view. (Check in with a RAS member.)

Ryan Observatory

Beginners Telescope Workshop
June 14, 2025 3:00 PM
Observatory Amphitheater / Visitor Center
Ticketed Event Register Here

Educational Programs by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist with observation and educational interactions.  We welcome our members to assist with Telescope Workshops as we share our experiences observing..

Ryan Observatory

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Saturday May 17, 2025

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:15 PM
Civil Dusk-8:46/ Nautical Dusk- 9:24/ Astronomical Dusk- 10:07
Nightfall 10:07 PM

Members, which include Observatory Volunteers, and those interested in membership are invited to an observing opportunity at Ryan Observatory. 

This is an opportunity for you to bring you personal gear to observe from the dark skies at the observatory.

Observatory parking areas and visitor center are closed, alternate parking provided at upper parking lot North of the Observatory.  You may set up your personal gear to observe from the upper lot, campground bathroom is available at West end of lot.  You may also bring your observing gear down to the amphitheater.

For members interested in volunteering this summer at the observatory, we will conduct a Dome 1 orientation at 8:45 PM.  It will give you a good idea of what is involved if you want to operate an observatory for open houses.  Other opportunities to get involved such as educator or general site and table assistant will be discussed.

Ryan Observatory

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Saturday May 10, 2025

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:08 PM
Civil Dusk-8:39 / Nautical Dusk- 9:16 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:56
Nightfall 9:56 PM

Members, which include Observatory Volunteers, are welcome to a members observing opportunity at Ryan Observatory.  Membership should be current.  It can be renewed on site if necessary via PayPal or personal check.  This is an opportunity for you to bring you personal gear to observe from the dark skies at the observatory. This is not open to the public.

Observatory parking areas and visitor center are closed, alternate parking provided at upper parking lot North of the Observatory.  You may set up your personal gear to observe from the upper lot, campground bathroom is available at West end of lot.  You may also bring your observing gear down to the amphitheater.

For members interested in volunteering this summer at the observatory, we will conduct a Dome 1 orientation at 8:45 PM.  It will give you a good idea of what is involved if you want to operate an observatory for open houses.  Other opportunities to get involved such as educator or general site and table assistant will be discussed.

Ryan Observatory

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend
National Poetry Month / Catching Photons

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

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

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation-Scott Edward Anderson “Engage with Poetry”

• 8:00PM - Indoor Presentation -Catching Photons - Astro-photographers share some of their favorite pics and the stories behind their creation.

• 9:00 PM - Outdoor Presentation,-Weather Dependent, Celestial Highlights Night sky laser light tour if clear (bring your binoculars), indoor sky orientation if cloudy. Orbing ~ Environmental Soundscapes

• 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.

Zoom Virtually or Attend in person with your astronomy gear ~ Observation Opportunity
Ryan Observatory
Stellar Survey

Zoom Portal Opens 7:30 PM
Stellar Survey Event 8:15-9:15 PM
-or-
Join us Live @ Sunset

We welcome the spring semester astronomy students at Arcadia back for a reprieve of Stellar Survey. An outline is posted on our Discord site for members to review. Members are welcome to attend virtually with the Astronomy Class or are welcome to come out in person to observe if weather conditions permit from the observatory amphitheater.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Saturday March 29, 2025

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:26 PM
Civil Dusk-7:53 / Nautical Dusk- 8:26 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:58
Nightfall 8:58 PM

Members, which include Observatory Volunteers, are welcome to a members observing opportunity at Ryan Observatory.  Membership should be current.  It can be renewed on site if necessary via PayPal or personal check.  This is an opportunity for you to bring you personal gear to observe from the dark skies at the observatory.

For members interested in volunteering this summer at the observatory, we will conduct a Dome 1 orientation at 8:45 PM.  It will give you a good idea of what is involved if you want to operate an observatory for open houses.  Other opportunities to get involved such as educator or general site and table assistant will be discussed.

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Lower Merion Conservancy
1301 Rose Glen Road
Gladwyn PA 19035
Public Sky Watch, LASER Blast Sky tour
Bring your Binoculars 6:00 PM
Guests: Registration Required

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

1301 Rose Glen Road
Gladwyn PA 19035

Sky Watch tonight!, Members and their guests and interested Amateurs are welcome to bring their telescopes to assist us in sharing the view of the night sky. If you do not have a telescope, registration is required.      https://lmconservancy.org/

Virtual Event on Zoom Portal
Capturing Photons

Portal Opens 7:15 PM
Event Starts 7:30 PM

Members have asked if they can show some of the astro-photos with our visitors at Ryan Observatory. We will do that at this April’s open House. To prepare for it let’s gather with our top 8 picture submissions tonight virtually. We can see what others have to bring to the table and discuss how to show them at the April Open House.

Live Event, In person at
Sandy Run Middle School Planetarium

Door Opens 7:15 PM
Event Starts 7:30 PM

Our first public event of the new year and you are all welcome to attend. We will meet at the Sandy Run Middle School Planetarium for a Star Orientation in preparation for our Messier Marathon coming up March 22.

Rittenhouse/ Ryan Observatory
Appreciation Banquet

For the past few years we have hosted a banquet in appreciation for Rittenhouse Members that step forward in service at Ryan Observatory.  Our banquet is set for 5:30 PM on January 11, 2025.

Britain Hill Venue and Vineyard

790 Little Britain Road
North Quarryville, PA 17566

Clear Sky at Sunset Only
Observation Opportunity

Friday January 10

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 5:00 PM
Civil Dusk-5:29 / Nautical Dusk- 6:03 / Astronomical Dusk- 6:36
Nightfall 6:36 PM

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset
Gate open 6:00-6:10 PM
Gage opens again 7:00-7:10 PM

If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Park is closed after sunset (usually 5:00 PM.)
We may have the Discord site operating on a voice & video channel. You might also reach us there.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, or 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 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

Saturday December 21

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 4:43 PM
Civil Dusk-5:14 / Nautical Dusk- 5:48 / Astronomical Dusk- 6:20
Nightfall 6:20 PM

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset
Gate open 6:00-6:10 PM
Gage opens again 7:00-7:10 PM

If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Park is closed after sunset (usually 5:00 PM.)
We may have the Discord site operating on a voice & video channel. You might also reach us there.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, or 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 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.