Below is the tentative calendar for 2011. 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.

2011 Public Star Parties
at Stephen F. Wessling Observatory

May 7 - National Astronomy Day (begin at 8:00 pm) admission is Free to all


May 21 - Saturn and the Spring Constellations (begin at 8:00 pm) regular admission rates.


June 18 - Summer Triangle and Summer Solstice Celebration (begin at 8:30 pm)


July 16 - Summer Constellations, Mercury and the Moon (begin at 8:30 pm)


July 19 - Bright Stars and Distant Clusters – National Baby Food Festival kickoff (begin at 8:30 pm)


July 23 - Distancing the Milky Way in the Teapot – National Baby Food Festival (begin at 8:30 pm)


August 12 - Perseid Meteor Shower and the Moon (begin at 8:30 pm) Meteor viewing at twilght


August 20 - Searching the Deep Sky (begin at 8:30 pm)


September 17 - Andromeda and the Autumnal Equinox (begin at 8:30 pm)


September 29 - Harvest Festival held in the Fremont City Park after parade


October 15 - Milky Way and the Moon (begin at 8:30 pm)

 

2011 Dark Sky Astronomers Meetings
all begin at 7 pm

May 7 - Work Bee at Observatory for 2011 opening (National Astronomy Day)

May 17 - at Observatory

June 21 - at Observatory (Summer Solstice 1:16 pm)

July 19 - at Observatory (NBFF)

August 16 - at Observatory

August 27 - New Moon Party at Observatory

September 20 at Observatory

September 30 GRAAA guests at Observatory

October 18 at Observatory

November 15 at Fremont Chamber of Commerce
Stephen F. Wessling Observatory
Owned and operated by the Newaygo Conservation District

Located at 6523 West Baseline Road, Fremont, Michigan 49412