Observatory Outing: Statewide Astronomy Night & First Public Night of 2026!

What:
Observatory Outing: Statewide Astronomy Night & First Public Night of 2026!

( WEATHER PERMITTING . . . NO EVENT IF CLOUDY OR BAD WEATHER . . I WILL UPDATE THIS EVENT THAT DAY WITH GO OR NO GO ).

When:
Saturday, April 25th 2026

Where:
Location shown to members only.

What Time:
Arrival 7:45 p.m. to park and gather the group together.
Doors open at 8:00 p.m
Facility open till 10:00 p.m. end of event.

Costs:
$5.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids 17 and younger - Free for kids under 5 years old.

Details:

Join staff of the Chaffee Planetarium and members of GRAAA for the annual Statewide Astronomy Night, which coincides with our first Public Observing Night of 2026 and International Astronomy Day! Space activities will be facilitated by educators from GVSU and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Activities and tours will be available rain or shine; telescope viewing will only be possible if skies are clear. Educational facilities throughout Michigan are participating in this annual effort to promote astronomy, sponsored by Michigan State University. Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night here.

Public Observing Nights are informal events where guests may show up at any time during the course of the event. Guests typically spend about an hour enjoying views through the Veen Observatory's telescopes, the personal telescopes set up by GRAAA members, a video presentation about the history of GRAAA, and stargazing and constellation finding with GRAAA members and volunteers.
Featured objects on April 25th will be the Moon, Jupiter, and various star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies.

***NOTES***
This event is weather dependent, no event will happen if there are major clouds or bad weather.

I will update this as the day unfolds and let you know as the Observatory tells me.

Dress for temperatures as you will be outside and inside for displays and two indoor telescopes.

KIDS VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND.

The entrance to the parking area is a small driveway that usually has a a-framed sign next to it and a person with a wand flash light but may not be there so please slow down and look for the driveway.