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August Programs
Summer Constellations — The mythology and science behind star patterns in the Summer sky above Lincoln. Run time: approximately 20 minutes
2017 Eclipse Trailer — Tells you all you need to know to view The Great American Eclipse in Lincoln. Run time: 10 minutes.
Jupiter — covers what we know about the solar system’s largest planet, including the latest science from the Juno probe. Run time: 15 minutes.
Ring World — about Saturn and the Cassini mission which is entering its Grand Finale stage, when the probe will drop into Saturn’s atmosphere on September 15. Run time: 19 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: (402) 441-7094.
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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 August:
The Planets
Jupiter is dropping rapidly towards the sun in the southwest sky this month. By the end of the month, it will be so low just after sunset that the Hyde telescopes won’t be able to pick it up. Until then, get to the observatory at opening time (sunset) to see Jupiter. Saturn is in the southern sky all evening. Its rings are opened almost to maximum tilt, so it is particularly stunning in a telescope.
The Moon
The moon is just before its full phase on August 5 — not the best time to view it in a telescope because the sun is shining directly down on its surface, producing no shadows. On August 12 and 19, the moon rises too late to be viewed in the evening. (New Moon is on the 21st — which is Total Solar Eclipse day). August 26 will give the best view of the moon, as it approaches First Quarter.
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.