Open House and October Night Sky Viewing at the Observatory

Name: Open House and October Night Sky Viewing at the Observatory
Start: 2025-10-24T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-10-24T22:00:00-05:00
Location: 18850 Observatory Rd, New Berlin, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53146

Schedule

Fri Oct 24 2025 at 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

18850 Observatory Rd, New Berlin, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53146 | New Berlin, WI

Enjoy a night out at the Milwaukee Astronomical Society in New Berlin. Start out by joining us for a talk at 6pm at our New Berlin observatory by MAS President Matthew Ryno, covering science topics and "spooky" nebula phography during the Wisconsin Science Week! We will also celebrate our national youth service award winner for 2025, who earlier this year has talked about the citizen science work he's done at the MAS. Then stay to view the universe through our many telescopes on site at the observatory if weather permits, tour the grounds and talk to members.
The talk at 6pm takes place rain or shine in our heated/air-conditioned Quonset Meeting Hall by MAS President, Matthew Ryno. Topics covered will be how to get involved in citzen science, some recent citizen science done at the MAS by members, and spooky photographs of nebulas taken by members recently - as well as some "spooky" events in history as later explained by science, with a halloween theme crossed with science and discovery!
Night sky observing lasts until 10pm. Members will be holding our telescopes steady and offering views of the night sky throughout the night after dark from 6:30-10pm if weather permits. Our MAS volunteer staff members will also be hosting tours, and can talk to you about what it's like to be a member or do amateur astronomy. There may also be some halloween treats on site!
This is a fun all ages family event. Please be aware we are an amateur observatory and it will be dark, so please attend to children and use caution when parking. We recommend bringing a flashlight and be very careful when approaching telescopes on site or member telescopes and ask before looking. Red tape over your flashlight is appreciated (available on site) to preserve night vision of attendees, and please limit bright headlights whenever possible. Dress for the weather -- our Quonset Meeting Hall is heated / air conditioned and bathrooms are on site. Costumes are welcome, but please plan ahead for darkness to reduce chance of tripping.
This is also a great opportunity to learn more about our observatory and how you can support our all volunteer-run observatroy with a donation or membership. All new members receive a year, plus the remainder of the year for free as part of their membership application if joining this summer! A minimum $5 donation is recommended, or join us as a member. Membership information is available on site, or at www.milwaukeeastro.org/join