Observation Opportunity
Friday February 27 , 2026 Sunset
This opportunity is provided for Volunteers and RAS members if clear skies prevail at sunset. Check back here the afternoon before event for final weather call.
Enter Before Sunset as main gate Closes at Sunset 5:45 PM
Heated bathroom access till 10:00 PM / Visitor Center is not open
No overnight Observing, members and volunteers must vacate by 11 PM.
If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Gate opens again from 7:00 through 7:10 PM
No Entrance after 7:10 PM
(headlights coming up the hill destroy dark adaptation)
Members, their guests, and 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. Remember to dress warm as park temperatures can be much cooler than those in neighboring cities of Philadelphia and Lancaster.
Sunset 5:55 PM
Nightfall 7:24 PM
Bring your own personal gear to observe.
A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site at Astronomical Twilight to turn of lighting for deep sky observation and photography.