Stargazing ✨at the Henize Observatory 🔭 Palatine

# Karl G. Henize Observatory

## Drop by, look through a telescope, and prepare to be awed.

### Free Community Viewing Sessions

Henize Observatory at Harper College in Palatine contains one of the largest public telescopes in the Chicago area. They are once again open scheduled Friday nights for public observing. In addition to the large telescope in the dome, several smaller telescopes will be set up. Several astronomers will be there to give us a tour of the summer sky.

Usual targets include the moon, planets, nebula, star clusters, and galaxies.

Experience the wonder of the universe and the excitement of discovery. Not only can you observe objects near and far, but volunteers provide interpretation of what you're seeing. Observatory events are free and open to the community.

Tips for first time visitors:

• Admission is free, however we ask that you please sign in.
• Plan on staying about an hour. There are often lines for our telescopes.
• Visitors climb a 7-foot tall ladder to reach our main telescope. We also operate several telescopes at ground level.
• Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes. You may be standing in lines and climbing a ladder.
• Dress for the weather. The observatory is not heated and it can get chilly at night.
• There are no restrooms or water fountains at the observatory.
• We can't see anything if it is cloudy, but we may stay open just in case it clears up.
• The observatory will not be open in rain or inclement weather.

More information: https://www.harpercollege.edu/observatory/index.php

The observatory is isolated on the northeast part of the campus. Park in lot 8. I'll have my green laser pointer to point out any satellites visible that evening. I'll also have my little Seestar smart telescope. As a courtesy to others, no bright flashlights (use red if possible), no flash photography, and please turn off car headlights in the area.

### Summer 2026 Observing Dates

• May 1 - 8:30-10:00 pm. Primary targets: Moon, Jupiter, and Venus
• May 15 - 9:00-10:30 pm. Primary targets: Jupiter and Venus
• June 5 - 9:00-10:30 pm. Primary targets: Jupiter, Venus, and possibly Mercury
• June 19 - 9:00-10:30 pm. Primary targets: Moon, Jupiter, Venus, and possibly Mercury
• July 3 - 9:00-10:30 pm. Primary target: Venus and deep-sky objects (e.g. M57, M92)
• July 17 - 9:00-10:30 pm. Primary targets: Moon and Venus

The observatory will be closed if it is cloudy. You might want to check the cloud/sky cover on weather.gov and weather.com before coming out. If it is higher than 50%, we will be closed.