Join us for Public Observing Night! This Public Night will also be preceded by an optional telescope tune-up clinic promptly at 8:00pm, free to visitors with paid admission. Bring your personal telescope to the observatory no later than 8:00pm for expert alignment and tips for effective use.
Public Observing Nights only take place if skies are clear. Check weather status on graaa.org, GRAAA's Facebook page (facebook.com/GrandRapidsAstronomy) and Discord server (graaa.org/discord), or call 616-897-7065 for phone message.
Featured objects on June 28 will be the Moon, plus various star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies.
Public Observing Nights are informal educational experiences, and visitors can show up at any time during the 2.5 hours that we will be open. Guests typically spend about an hour at the observatory, enjoying views through the observatory's permanent telescopes and the personal telescopes of GRAAA volunteers set up on the grounds. There is also a tour of the observatory, an informational video about the history of the building and of GRAAA, and t-shirts, mugs, books, and other merch available for purchase. Learn more about these unique events at graaa.org/public-nights.
If you attend, share your experience with us by tagging #VeenObservatory in any social media posts!
Admission (paid upon arrival):
$5 adults
$3 kids 17 and under
Free kids 5 and under
Free for GRAAA and GRPM members
Cash preferred, but we also accept card payments.
—--
VENUE INFORMATION:
James C. Veen Observatory, 3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331, USA
When you arrive, a parking lot attendant will help you find a spot at the bottom of a hill. The walk up the path to the observatory is approximately 1/4 mile, and golf cart assistance is available to those who need it. The path is lighted for visitors, but it is suggested you bring a flashlight (but only point it at the ground so the light does not interfere with observing). A restroom is available for guest use inside the observatory.
-----
GRAAA members:
Want to know more? Try volunteering. Sign up at tinyurl.com/GRAAA-SignUp-2025 and we'll train you.
Also check out other Kids events & activities in Alto, Sports events in Alto.
