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June Programs
Spring Constellations — The mythology and science behind star patterns in the Spring sky above Lincoln. “The Summer Constellations” will run starting June 24th, after we reach Summer Soltice — the official astronomical beginning of summer — on the 21st. Running time: 20 minutes
AstroShorts — Sky news and Coming Attractions. This month: Losing The Dark, What’s Up June 2017, Cassini’s Grand Finale, and Preview of the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. Running time: 25 minutes.
Jupiter — covers what we know about the solar system’s largest planet, including the latest science from the Juno probe. Running time: 15 minutes.
Your Window on the Universe
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Our Telescopes
Featuring views of the night skies through our 3 Telescopes!
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Presentations & Programs
Astronomy Presentations every Saturday Night!
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It's all FREE
There is NO ADMISSION CHARGE
HOURS
We’re open every Saturday year-round.
Hyde may be closed if Saturday falls on or very near a major holiday. If in doubt call first.
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March-August
Sundown to 11 PM
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September
8 PM to 11 PM
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October-March
7 PM to 10 PM
What we’re looking at through the observatory’s telescopes in June:
The Planets
Jupiter dominates the evening sky this month. Its cloud belts are clearly visible, and the endless dance of its 4 largest moons makes for a fascinating spectacle.Saturn rises just before the observatory closes at the start of the month, then earlier with each passing Saturday. Its rings are opened almost to maximum tilt, so it is particularly stunning in a telescope.
The Moon
On June 3, it is just past First Quarter, an excellent viewing opportunity; On the 10th, the moon is just past Full phase, rising a bit after sunset, but this is not the best time to see it because there are few shadows on its surface to highlight detail; On the 17th, the moon rises after the observatory closes at 11:00 p.m.; On the 24th, the moon is New (the “dark” of the moon, so it is not visible.
Deep Sky Objects
Galaxies, Nebulae, globular star clusters and other objects beyond the solar system will be viewed through the telescopes throughout the month, depending upon sky conditions.