Below is the tentative calendar for 2010. Dates may be changed due to viewing conditions at any time. We will try to update this page to inform you ahead of time if any event has been postponed. You are welcome to call the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers secretary (at the Newaygo Conservation District) at 231-924-2420 ext. 5 for more information at any time.

Admission for Star Party Open House is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for 17 and younger, and free for children under 5 years of age.

Come equipped. Flashlights will be helpful for finding your way around in the dark, but should be kept directed toward the ground so as not to interfere with observing activities. Insect repellent and warm clothing (particularly for feet, head and hands) are strongly encouraged during appropriate seasons. Parts of the observatory are heated and cooled but the main telescope area in the building is open to the night air.

Please keep in mind that the quality of your observation will depend on weather and viewing conditions. SFW Observatory can not guarantee pre-scheduled events when conditions are not suitable. With every event we automatically schedule a make-up date. If the make-up date does not work out as well, we will reschedule again. Thank you for your understanding.

Due to liability, no pets are allowed at the observatory.

FACC = Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce
SFW Obs = Stephen F. Wessling Observatory
NCDSA = Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers

All events will take place at the observatory unless otherwise noted.

2010 Schedule of Events
Stephen F. Wessling Observatory

March 16, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at FACC, 7:00 PM.

March 19, Friday: Fremont Community & Business Expo, Fremont High School, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

March 20, Saturday: Fremont Community & Business Expo, Fremont High School, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

April 17, Saturday: Work bee at SFW Obs, starting at 6:00 PM.

April 20, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

April 24, Saturday: Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Free admission in observance of National Astronomy Day.

May 15, Saturday: Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. We will be viewing Venus, Mars, and Saturn. Bring your telescope between 7:00 and 8:00 PM and learn to use it.

May 18, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

June 15, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

June 19, Saturday: Summer Solstice Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

July 17, Saturday: Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

July 20, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM. Star Party Open House (NBFF), 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Galaxy and nebula viewing.

July 24, Saturday: Star Party Open House (NBFF) at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

August 12, Thursday: Perseid Meteor Shower, Star Party Open House, 12:01 AM to 5:00 AM

August 12, Thursday: Perseid Meteor Shower, Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

August 14, Saturday: Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

August 17, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

August 21, Saturday: Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Bring your telescope between 7:00 and 8:00 PM and learn to use it.

September 18, Saturday: Fall Equinox Star Party Open House at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

September 21, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

October 2, Saturday: Star Party Open House (Harvest Festival) at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

October 16, Saturday: The last Star Party Open House of the season at SFW Obs, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

October 19, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at SFW Obs, 7:00 PM.

November 9, Tuesday: NCDSA meeting at FACC, 7:00 PM.

Note: There is no NCDSA meeting in December.
Stephen F. Wessling Observatory
Owned and operated by the Newaygo Conservation District

Located at 6523 West Baseline Road, Fremont, Michigan 49412