Star Watch Astronomy

See Eden Prairie’s night sky like never before! On clear nights, the observatory roof is open with our 16-inch diameter telescope pointed skyward. An astronomer explains what you are seeing and answers questions. On cloudy nights, the astronomer uses a large LCD screen inside the Outdoor Center to give you a simulated tour of the night sky and show you how to find some of the same highlights from your own backyard. All events are rain or shine. Dress for being outside. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring your own binoculars if you want an additional viewpoint. The Staring Lake Observatory is located at the Outdoor Center. Individual or group programs are available. Call Stan Tekiela at 952-949-8479 for more information and to schedule your time at the observatory. Register here.

ECLIPSES FOR THE UNITED STATES
This year and next the US will have two solar eclipses: one annular, one total. Learn about the mechanics of eclipses and what you will see from here. Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Oct 13 7:30-9:00 p.m..

DAYTIME ASTRONOMY
Today, we will watch a partial Solar Eclipse and talk about the next USA eclipse happening in 2024. Astronomer: Paul Fusco
Sa Oct 14 10:30 a.m.-noon

FALL AND THE HUNTER’S MOON
The full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox is the Harvest Moon. Next is the Hunter’s Moon, lighting up our long fall nights. Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Oct 27 7:00-8:30 p.m.

AUTUMN NIGHTS AND NORTHERN LIGHTS
As nights get longer, the opportunity to see the aurora borealis improves. Find out when and where to see them in your sky! Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Nov. 3 7:00-8:30 p.m.

GREEK THEATER IN THE AUTUMN SKY – THE SUPERHEROS OF OLD
Thousands of years before our modern movies, people used the stars to tell their stories: tales of heroes and villains, of triumph and tragedy. Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Nov. 17 7:00-8:30 p.m.

GALAXIES AND WHEN THEY COLLIDE
Today, we will watch a partial Solar Eclipse and talk about the next USA eclipse happening in 2024. Astronomer: Paul Fusco
Sa Nov. 18 7:00-8:30 p.m.

FAREWELL TO THE SUMMER TRIANGLE
High above our heads for months, the Summer Triangle is about to retire for the year. Take one final tour before it’s gone! Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Dec. 1 7:00-8:30 p.m.

A CHILL IS IN THE AIR (OR VACUUM)
Ever wonder how cold is space? Find out how cold it is and what that tells us about the universe! Astronomer: Paul Fusco
Sa Dec. 2 7:00-8:30 p.m.

THE WINTER SOLSTICE AND THE LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
Our sun, Sol, continues its descent to the south. Will it stop? Will it return? Certainly, a great cause for celebration! Astronomer: Ron Schmit
Fr Dec. 15 7:00–8:30 p.m.