UACNJ observatory at Jenny Jump

The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) operate an observatory in Jenny Jump State Park in Hope, NJ.

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. Star-gazing until 10:30, weather permitting.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

Upcoming programs (for the latest, see their website):

- 10/16 - Getting started in Astronomy

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey operates an observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest off Far View Road in Hope 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.

For more information, see www.uacnj.org or contact Diane at jefferfamily@gmail.com.

All ages are welcome to attend. See the latest schedule under "Public programs".

Past Programs included:

• Buying or Building a Telescope - Finding our how to get your own telescope
• Astrophotography - An amateur astronomer takes you on a photographic tour of his universe.
• The Latest Findings in Astronomy - Our present understanding of the celestial phenomena in our Cosmos.

If you have an interest in astronomy or just need an excuse to get out on a Saturday night, UACNJ is seeking adult volunteers (observers) to help with these public programs. Observers help with all aspects of the public program – directing cars for parking, setting up a/v equipment for the speaker, handling sales of astronomy books and trinkets, preparing the lecture hall, etc. – and need not have a vast knowledge of astronomy. Those who are interested can train to become qualified to use the Greenwood telescope.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

If someone wants to arrange for a private session (lecture and observing) for a homeschool group, this can be done for a nominal fee (probably $3 per person). If you are interested in something like this, please let Diane Jeffer know (jefferfamily@gmail.com) and he will put you in touch with the appropriate person.

CCM's Longo Planetarium

CCM's planetarium has been renovated & renamed & re-opened!!

Next public shows: August 13, 2010, 7:00 pm

August 14, 2010, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 5 pm

Peer deep into space through the eyes of the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years to witness the birth of our universe. On this breathtaking excursion you'll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you'll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.

Cohen Hall building is currently being renovated which could affect the air conditioning in the Longo Planetarium. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

CCM Planetarium admission prices for their monthly programs look the same as in 2007 & 2008!

$5 for adults, $4 for CCM students/faculty/staff and seniors,
$3 for kids 12 and under

Sheep Hill Observatory

The Sheep Hill Observatory is in Boonton NJ at the end of Ross Drive. It features a 16-foot dome housing a 16-inch Newtonian equatorially mounted telescope. Public observing 3rd Friday of every month. Beginning at dusk, weather permitting.

Observatory off Ross Drive
Observatory phone 9793 335 5990
Public Nights 3rd Friday every month. Club Nights Saturday closest to the new moon.
Meetings 1st Sunday every month at Boonton Town Hall Community Room. New website under construction?

Last year's Astronomy Day in Boonton.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Solar observing at Wal-Mart parking lot during the day.
Astronomical Observing at the observatory in the evening weather permitting.

This is the best information I had at the time of posting.