Category: Event

10 March 2024 | Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning at the Bucknell Observatory

The Bucknell Observatory will be hosting a nighttime tour of the Observatory for the Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning. This is a private event.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. We will work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Sunday, 10 March 2024 (rain dates 11 and 13 March)

Time: 8:30pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If you would like to be part of a future event, please get in touch.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

10 February 2024 | Family Night at the Bucknell Observatory

Come enjoy the sights of the night sky on Saturday, 10 February at the Bucknell Observatory for Family Night 2024. Bucknell astronomers and students will help observers see the Moon, planets, the Great Nebula in Orion, and other celestial sights through the Observatory’s telescopes.

Local Grammy-nominated artist Billy Kelly will sing songs of the stars for kids of all ages several times during the evening, and Brian Garthwaite of the Bucknell Physics & Astronomy department will present a family-friendly talk “Jupiter, the King of Planets.” Children can build a “Jupiter mobile” craft to take home.

The telescopes, including the 1887 Alvin Clark refractor and the modern telescopes of the Isaac J. Tressler Observing Lab, will be open for observing throughout the evening (weather permitting). Bucknell University students and staff will be on hand to assist with the observing and point out constellations.

This is a free open house event. All activities will be available throughout the evening, so drop in anytime between 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Date: Saturday, 10 February 2024

Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

2 December 2023 | Public Observing Night at the Bucknell Observatory

This event has been CANCELLED due to inclement weather.

The Bucknell Observatory will be holding public observing nights and observatory tours approximately once per month. The Physics and Astronomy department at Bucknell invites the community to join us at the on-campus Observatory for tours, telescope viewings, and night sky presentations.

The event is free, although visitors are encouraged to sign up to guarantee space at one of our public nights. More information is available at bucknellobservatory.blogs.bucknell.edu.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Registered guests will be alerted via email before the event. We will also work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Saturday, 2 December 2023

Time: Two slots: 7 – 8pm and 8 – 9pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If this date has filled, please look out for our next public night!
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.
Clark refractor telescope

5 November 2023 | Presidential Fellows Night at the Bucknell Observatory

The Bucknell Observatory will be hosting a nighttime tour of the Observatory for our Presidential Fellows scholars. This is a private event.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. We will work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Saturday, 5 November 2023

Time: Two slots: 7 – 8pm and 8 – 9pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If you would like to be part of a future event, please get in touch.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

4 November 2023 | Public Observing Night at the Bucknell Observatory

This event has been CANCELLED due to inclement weather.

The Bucknell Observatory will be holding public observing nights and observatory tours approximately once per month. The Physics and Astronomy department at Bucknell invites the community to join us at the on-campus Observatory for tours, telescope viewings, and night sky presentations.

The event is free, although visitors are encouraged to sign up to guarantee space at one of our public nights. More information is available at bucknellobservatory.blogs.bucknell.edu.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Registered guests will be alerted via email before the event. We will also work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Saturday, 4 November 2023

Time: Two slots: 7 – 8pm and 8 – 9pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If this date has filled, please look out for our next public night!
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

14 October 2023 | Public Observing Night at the Bucknell Observatory

This event has been CANCELLED due to inclement weather.

The Bucknell Observatory will be holding public observing nights and observatory tours approximately once per month. The Physics and Astronomy department at Bucknell invites the community to join us at the on-campus Observatory for tours, telescope viewings, and night sky presentations.

The event is free, although visitors are encouraged to sign up to guarantee space at one of our public nights. More information is available at bucknellobservatory.blogs.bucknell.edu.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Registered guests will be alerted via email before the event. We will also work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Saturday, 14 October 2023

Time: Two slots: 8 – 9pm and 9 – 10pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If this date has filled, please look out for our next public night!
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

16 September 2023 | Public Observing Night at the Bucknell Observatory

The Bucknell Observatory will be holding public observing nights and observatory tours approximately once per month. The Physics and Astronomy department at Bucknell invites the community to join us at the on-campus Observatory for tours, telescope viewings, and night sky presentations.

The event is free, although visitors are encouraged to sign up to guarantee space at one of our public nights. More information is available at bucknellobservatory.blogs.bucknell.edu.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Registered guests will be alerted via email before the event. We will also work to ensure this site has the most up-to-date information.

Date: Saturday, 16 September 2023

Time: Two slots: 8 – 9pm and 9 – 10pm

Location: the Bucknell Observatory

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • We have a limited capacity for our tours. If this date has filled, please look out for our next public night!
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

11 October 2023 | Stargazing at the Bucknell Farm

Campus community members: come join us for a relaxing evening at the Bucknell Farm for some stargazing, constellation tours, and a chance to learn a little about the night sky above us! We’re going to set up in one of the darkest spots on campus to appreciate the stars on an autumn night.

This is a casual event, with no registration required.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Keep an eye on this site for the most up-to-date information.

Date: Wednesday, 11 October 2023 (Alternate: Wednesday, 18 October)

Time: 8 – 9pm

Location: the Bucknell University Farm, south end of campus, just beyond the big water towers

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • This is Pennsylvania in early autumn, and there may be wildlife, including biting bugs. Insect repellent is recommended.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

13 September 2023 | Explore the Night Sky with the Linn Conservancy

Members of the local community, please come join us for a session of stargazing from Bucknell’s campus! We will be offering a tour of our night sky and constellations, highlighting the objects visible from our little corner of the Earth. Registration is required for this event through the Linn Conservancy.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone. Keep an eye on this site for the most up-to-date information.

Date: Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (Alternates: Thursday, 14 September; Wednesday 20 September)

Time: 8:30 – 10pm

Location: meet at the Bucknell Observatory; event at the Bucknell University Farm

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • This is Pennsylvania in early autumn, and there may be wildlife, including biting bugs. Insect repellent is recommended.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.

12 July 2023 | Stargazing at the Bucknell Farm

Summer students, mentors, and support staff: come join us for a relaxing evening at the Bucknell Farm for some stargazing, constellation tours, and a chance to socialize outside of the lab and away from screens! We’re going to set up in one of the darkest spots on campus to appreciate the stars and a cool summer night.

In the event of clouds, rain, or other sky-obscuring weather, we may have to postpone the event. Keep an eye on this site for the most up-to-date information.

Date: Wednesday, 12 July 2023 (Alternate: Thursday, 13 July)

Time: 9 – 10pm

Location: the Bucknell University Farm, south end of campus, just beyond the big water towers

Remember!

  • This corner of campus will be dark, as we turn off as many lights as we can. Lights off means the event is happening, so don’t get confused!
  • No flashlights, please! To better see the stars, everyone’s eyes need to adapt to the dark. We’ll provide some red lights which won’t interfere with night vision. (If you must bring your phone, please turn on the screen’s adaptive brightness settings.)
  • This is Pennsylvania in summertime, and there may be wildlife, including biting bugs. Insect repellent is recommended.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so we may have to cancel close to the last minute. If we do, look forward to a rescheduled event at another time.