Statewide Astronomy Night

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will participate in Statewide Astronomy Night (SWAN) on Saturday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. with astronomy-related activities for people of all ages. Enthusiastic staff and volunteers will engage visitors with a mix of astronomy-themed games, crafts, interactive demonstrations and exciting planetarium experiences.The program is free and open to the public. 

Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join us for an hour-long presentation at the Abrams Planetarium. We will start with a showing of "Out There: The Search for Extrasolar Planets" and explore how our perception of our place in the Universe has changed and how the discoveries of exoplanets we made in the last decades even surpassed the dreams of science fiction authors. This is followed by a presentation from faculty and graduate students from the MSU department of Earth and Environmental Sciences called "Asteroids, Comets, and the History of the Cosmos" where you will learn about how studying our neighborhood helps us understand the universe.

Learn more about Looking at Planets Near and Far

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Explore the wonders of the universe with night sky viewing and hands-on activities from physicists and astronomers from Michigan State University. 

Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night at the MSU Observatory

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join the Warren Astronomical Society (WAS) for an open house for Statewide Astronomy Night on April 12 starting at 7 p.m. Depending on weather conditions, we plan to use the 8-inch refractor at Stargate Observatory under a 10-foot dome. We also plan to use the 22-inch Dobsonian reflector in the open field next to the observatory. There are a few more telescopes we can use depending on attendance. WAS is one of Michigan's oldest and largest amateur astronomy groups. Our diverse membership includes all age groups, interests, and experience levels. 

Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night at Stargate Observatory

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join staff of the Chaffee Planetarium and members of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association for a night of free stargazing, observatory tours, and more! Activities and tours will be available rain or shine; telescope viewing will only be possible if skies are clear.

Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night at the James C. Veen Observatory

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Join the Wessling Observatory for an exciting night of astronomy! Learn what noteworthy stars, constellations, and planets are visible in the evening skies of early April; view various telescopes, how they differ, and how to use them; take a tour of the heavens with Observatory staff, using a high-energy 'laser'; learn how to "star-hop" to various objects in the sky; view deep sky objects thorugh various telescopes; and learn the basics of astro-photography! 

Constructed in 2005, the S.F Wessling Observatory (SFWO) is owned by the Newaygo Conservation District as part of the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center. It is located approximately six miles north of Fremont, MI and operated by the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers (NCDSA.)

The Observatory provides regional amateur astronomers and the general public with DARK skies, and the opportunity to observe and study our amazing universe. It is open to the public from April through October, every year. During these months, 11-12 public Star Parties are scheduled and hosted by the NCDSA. Dates and times for 2025 Star Parties will be posted on our website. 

The Observatory houses four permanent Newtonian scopes with mirrors of 10”, 12.5”, 18” and 22”. Also available are several 8” and 11” Schmidt Cassegrain computerized scopes, plus a specialty-scope dedicated to astro-photography. NCDSA members also have their personal scopes on-site and available. The SFWO is a ‘hands-on-observatory’ allowing individuals to operate the scopes under the supervision of the NCDSA members.

Learn more about Statewide Astronomy Night at Wessling Observatory