Planetariums/Observatories

• Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory, Rutgers has public open nights on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. The times vary depending on the time of the year (later in the summer and earlier in the winter). Go to: http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/group-ast.html to get details on times and what celestrial objects are expected to be viewed.
  
  
• Remodeling in July 2009: CCM Planetarium, Randolph usually offers monthly shows & is available for special events (clubs & birthday parties, etc.) Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for CCM students/faculty/staff and seniors, $3 for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration suggested - especially for any "Jazz Under the Stars" programs.
  
  
• Sheep Hill Observatory, Boonton, NJ. Public observing 3rd Friday of every month. Beginning at dusk, weather permitting.
  
  
• Every Friday night (weather permitting) in the Spring and Summer, the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton has an open house at their observatory at Washington Crossing Park. The observatory houses two decent telescopes (a computer controlled 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain and a 6" refractor) that visitors can look through. Also, members often bring their own scopes and will share the views with onlookers. Details can be found at: http://www.princetonastronomy.org

• United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey operates an observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest off Far View Road in Independence Township. Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine.

  The next public programs are:

• August 15 – “Solar and Lunar Eclipses” presented by George Bottarini
• August 22 – “SOHO and STEREO” presented by Laura Venner of the Meadowlands Center
• August 29 – “The Big Bang” presented by George Bottarini
  For more information, see www.uacnj.org or contact Diane at jefferfamily@gmail.com.
  

Partial list of NJ Astronomical Societies:

• New Jersey Astronomical Group(NJAG) at Montclair State.
  Website – www.njastro.org
  Meetings- 2nd Wednesdays of the month. Telescope nights Thursdays Fall and Spring. At Richardson Hall, room 202 and outside. Observations at Riker Hill Park.
  
  
• Morris Museum Astronomical Society (MMAS) Morristown, NJ
  Website - http://members.tripod.com/nmastrosociety/
  Meetings at 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ. 2nd Thursday each month 7:30PM at the museum. phones 973 971 3700 and 973 386 1848. I have heard good reviews of their Annual Astronomy Day.
  
  
• Astronomy Day - annually - around March 10 - 4 pm & ~7 p.m.
  With the Morris Museum Astronomical Society. Night Sky Observing (weather permitting) Activities usually include things like:
  
  • Family friendly lectures Planetarium shows ($2 per person)
    
  • Children's Starry Night Scratchboard workshop,
    
  • And more!
    
  For more information call 973.971.3720.

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Planetarium Show: The Grand Tour
November 4, 6:30 pm — Hayden Planetarium Space Theater, American Museum of Natural History, entrance on 77th St., New York City. The Hayden Planetarium has assembled the world's largest cosmic atlas, extending from Earth to the greatest distances yet charted by astronomers. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for a fully interactive tour of the universe that surrounds us—the longest trip you can take while staying in New York. Tickets cost $15 for the general public; $13.50 for members, seniors, and students. Advance registration encouraged. Register online or by calling 212-769-5200.