Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Friday July 25, 2025
(Alternate) Saturday July 19, 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way. 

There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs enjoying the view. If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Night sky tour by laser beam will be conducted at Nightfall.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday July 19, 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way. 

There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs enjoying the view. If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Night sky tour by laser beam will be conducted at Nightfall.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

All Weather Event ~ July 12, 2025
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Rock Snake Community Art Project

7:30 PM Indoor Exhibit / Steppin to the Stars

7:45 PM Indoor Presentation / Astrophotography ~Dr. Lydell Nunn

9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science~ David Walker

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial highlights -Bring your binoculars! Laser guided star tour to deep sky treasures.

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes

10:00 PM Last call to observatories

10:30 PM Event Ends

Educational Programs by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday July 5, 2025

Anyone belonging to any astronomical society who is interested in setting up their personal astronomy gear is welcome to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater.   

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.
 

Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way.  There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.
 

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.  Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted.  Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Saturday June 21, 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out Discord site for updates late Saturday.

Members and registered Volunteers are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn of lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.  Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted.  

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ June 14, 2025
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Demonstration / Steppin’ To the Stars

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Stelleopardy or astronomical jeopardy

9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science; David Walker

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights ~ Laser Bino-blast highlighting deep sky treasures. Bring your binoculars! , Ted Williams

10:15 PM Last call for Observatories, Visitor Center Closes
10:30 PM Event Ends

Educational Programs by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist with observation and educational interactions.  We welcome amateurs to set up their telescopes and assist the attending public with the view. (Check in with a RAS member.)

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Beginner Telescope Workshop ~ Bring your telescope and set it up at the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]  This workshop covers the basics of aligning your finder scope, use of your eyepieces, and best practices for observation.  Don’t know what your doing?  Received or gave a telescope to family as a gift? No knowledge of the night sky?  Your our target audience. Welcome!

Clear Sky Gathering
May 25, 2025

This event is provided if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Rittenhouse Members, (includes Observatory Volunteers) and those interested in membership or volunteering are welcome. Membership can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.  

This is an opportunity for you to bring you personal gear to observe from the dark skies at the observatory.  Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear.   There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Observatory parking areas and visitor center are closed, alternate parking provided at upper parking lot North of the Observatory.  You may set up your personal gear to observe from the upper lot, campground bathroom is available at West end of lot. 

If you are up to a walk, you may also bring your observing gear down to the amphitheater.  Members are available to assist.

Conducted by the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
May 10 , 2025

This is a private gathering for Members, which include Observatory Volunteers. Membership should be current.  It can be renewed on site if necessary via PayPal, credit card or on site with personal check. 

Observatory parking areas and visitor center are closed, alternate parking provided at upper parking lot North of the Observatory.  You may set up your personal gear to observe from the upper lot, campground bathroom is available at West end of lot.  You may also bring your observing gear down to the amphitheater.

For members interested in volunteering this summer at the observatory, we will conduct a Dome 1 orientation at 8:45 PM.  It will give you a good idea of what is involved if you want to operate an observatory for open houses.  Other opportunities to get involved as an educator or general site assistant will be discussed.  If clear, we can also practice laser sighting constellations.

  Conducted by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ April 12, 2025
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

April is national poetry month. We can celebrate astronomy with poetry.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Demonstration / Steppin To the Stars

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome

7:35 PM Indoor Presentation / Scott Edward Anderson “Engage with Poetry”
View our Member and Volunteer Astro Photos taken through
the winter. Practice your hand a developing a descriptive verse.

8:00 PM Indoor Presentation Lydell Nunn, Dan Meade and Trever Funk share some off the thrill and challange of catching photons from space and forming them into amazing Astrophotographs.

9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights ~ Laser Bino-blast highlighting deep sky treasures. Bring your binoculars! , Ted Williams

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes , Event Ends

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
March 29, 2025

Members, which include Observatory Volunteers, are welcome to  a members observing opportunity at Ryan Observatory.  Membership should be current.  It can be renewed on site if necessary via PayPal or personal check. 

For members interested in volunteering this summer at the observatory, we will conduct a Dome 1 orientation at 8:45 PM.  It will give you a good idea of what is involved if you want to operate an observatory for open houses.  Other opportunities to get involved as an educator or general site assistant will be discussed.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
January 10, 2025

Enter Before Sunset, Gate Closes at Sunset
Gate opening 6:00-6:10 PM
Gate Opening 7:00-7:10 PM

Heated bathroom access till 10:00 PM
No overnight Observing visitors must vacate by 12:00 PM

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset
If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Gate open 6:00-6:10 PM
Gage opens again 7:00-7:10 PM
No Entrance after 7:10 PM,
(headlights coming up the hill destroy dark adaptation)

Park is closed after sunset (usually 5:00 PM.)
We may have the Discord site operating on a voice & video channel. You might also reach us there.

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, and those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
December 21, 2024

Enter Before Sunset, Gate Closes at Sunset
Gate opening 6:00-6:10 PM
Gate Opening 7:00-7:10 PM

Heated bathroom access till 10:00 PM
No overnight Observing visitors must vacate by 12:00 PM

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset
If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Gate open 6:00-6:10 PM
Gage opens again 7:00-7:10 PM
No Entrance after 7:10 PM,
(headlights coming up the hill destroy dark adaptation)

Park is closed after sunset (usually 5:00 PM.)
We may have the Discord site operating on a voice & video channel. You might also reach us there.

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, and those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ April 14, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

April is national poetry month. We can celebrate astronomy with poetry.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Demonstration / Steppin To the Stars

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome

7:35 PM Indoor Presentation / Scott Edward Anderson “Engage with Poetry”
View our Member and Volunteer Astro Photos taken through
the winter. Practice your hand a developing a descriptive verse.

8:00 PM Indoor Presentation Lydell Nunn, Dan Meade and Trever Funk share some off the thrill and challange of catching photons from space and forming them into amazing Astrophotographs.

9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights ~ Laser Bino-blast highlighting deep sky treasures. Bring your binoculars! , Ted Williams

10:00 PM Visitor Center closes , Event Ends

All Weather Event ~ November 9, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!
Veteran’s Appreciation Night!

In November we are proud to recognize our Veterans and commemorate them with our guest presenter from the War College focusing our presentation on the Space Force.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Globe at Night~ Citizens Science Project

7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Veterans appreciation Presentation

8:40 PM Outdoor Presentation / Planet Report, Stellarium ~ Jarred Claar

9:00PM Outdoor Presentation /Celestial Highlights: Laser Guided Star Tour Bino-Blast | Bring your binoculars to enhance your view! ~ Ted Williams, Ryan Arbeiter

9:30 PM Visitor Center closes

9:45 PM Last call for observatories / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

10:00 PM Event Ends

All Weather Event ~ October 12, 2024
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

The Planets have returned to our night sky. To mark their return we share a musical experience by Gustav Holst; The Planets. Lori Weidner will guide us through the Mythological Aspects with Ted Williams serving up the scientific understanding. Lori will then guide us through the music with selections from each of the planet suites of music.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather permitting

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation
The Planets : Current Science/ Mythological Aspects Lori Weidner, Ted Williams

8:40 PM Outdoor Presentation / The Planets, Music by Gustav Holst ~ Under the Stars

9:15 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights laser guided binocular blast.

9:45 PM Visitor Center closes

9:45 PM Last call for observatories / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

10:00 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
October 5, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, and those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
September 21, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~ September 14, 2024
International Observe the Moon Night
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

Join us as we celebrate the Moon. Our focus will be on the moon as will our presentations. We open the observatories at 7:15 PM. Indoor presentations start at 7:30 PM. For the outdoor presentation (weather permitting), dress warm as we are usually a few degrees cooler due to rural location. Lawn chairs or blankets are great for sitting on outdoor amphitheater risers. Bring a pair of binoculars to see deep sky wonders by following our laser guided sky tour.

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing through evening weather

7:30 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome, Globe at Night
7:40 PM Indoor Presentation / Phases of the Moon / Demonstration ~ Ed Rolden
7:50 PM Indoor Presentation / Lunar Rotation / Demonstration ~ Luke Vandevere
8:00 PM Indoor Presentation / Solar and Lunar Eclipses / Demonstrations ~ Dan Mead
8:10 PM Indoor Presentation / Other Moons / Europa Mission ~ Al Ryan

8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocky the Space Tortoise ~ Dawn Brooks
8:55 PM Outdoor Presentation / Lunar Geography ~ Ted Williams
9:05 PM Outdoor Presentation /Celestial Highlights, Laser Blast. Bring your binoculars and follow the guiding laser beam to find deep sky wonders. (Weather Permitting)

9:45 PM Last call for Observation /Visitor Center closes
10:00 PM Event Ends

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 31, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 29, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Nighthawking ~ To work or Play after Dark.  Join us for a 2 mile hike at night through some of the thickest wooded areas of Muddy Run Park.  Two star orientations (South and North) along with wildlife spotting and a few dark adaptation demonstrations round out our evening walk. Bring your binoculars.

Base camp (where we meet and return) is the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 24, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky Gathering ONLY
August 22, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
August 17, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

Clear Sky ONLY
August 16, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.

All Weather Event ~August 10, 2024
Perseid Meteor Shower
All Interested Welcome To Attend!

7:15 PM Observatories Open / Telescope Set-up, Observing Starts (weather permitting)
7:130 PM Indoor Presentation / Welcome-Orientation
7:40 PM Indoor Presentation(s) / Members Present Various Topics (Build or Purchase a Telescope? / Proper Polar Alignment / Why are Things Round? / Perseid Meteor Shower / Steppin to the Stars (behind the magic)
8:45 PM Outdoor Presentation / Rocket Science
9:00 PM Outdoor Presentation / Celestial Highlights Laser Tour, Bring your Binoculars!
10:00 PM Visitor Center closes
10:05 PM Last Call for Observing
10:00 PM Event Ends

Ticketed Reserved Event Only

Nighthawking ~ To work or Play after Dark.  Join us for a 2 mile hike at night through some of the thickest wooded areas of Muddy Run Park.  Two star orientations (South and North) along with wildlife spotting and a few dark adaptation demonstrations round out our evening walk. Bring your binoculars.

Base camp (where we meet and return) is the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. [Tickets here.]

Clear Sky ONLY
Gathering July 27, 2024

Members and their guests, Volunteers, Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.