Fontenelle Nature Association

Astronomy

Join the fun at the Millard Observatory, the largest public observatory in the Omaha metro area. Led by trained staff and volunteers, these programs are designed to introduce adults and children to the wonders of the night sky. Your evening under the stars will include gathering on the observation deck to see the constellations visible that night and peering through the telescopes to see planets, nebulae and more!

The observatory features a 10” Schmidt-Cassegrain, two 12” Meade LX 200 GPS, and a 14” Celestron. A 13” Coulter and an 8” Meade can be mounted on the observation deck and three 6” telescopes can be placed on outside mounts for your viewing pleasure!

At: Millard Observatory, Neale Woods Nature Center

Member Admission: $4 adults / $3 children
Non-member Admission: $6 adults / $4 children
$3 per student with ID
Ages: 5 and older

If cloudy conditions prevent sky viewing, an indoor presentation will be offered.

Directions to Neale Woods Nature Center
14323 Edith Marie Ave., Omaha.
From I-80 take Hwy 75 north to Florence Blvd. Turn left onto Florence Blvd. Florence Blvd. becomes J. Pershing Drive - continue North. At Mormon Bridge there is a "T" intersection, continue straight North on River Road. Go past NP Dodge Park and Hummel Park, stay to the right at the fork in road. Turn left onto White Deer Lane and left onto Edith Marie Ave. (it is 2.7 miles from Mormon Bridge to White Deer Lane.)

For questions about our astronomy programs, email FNA Naturalist Sara Krug or call 731-3140.

Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with These Upcoming Programs
Don’t let the weather keep you inside; this is your chance to get out and look up!

At: Millard Observatory, Neale Woods Nature Center (see above for admission)
Ages: 5 and older
No registration required. If cloudy conditions prevent sky viewing, an indoor presentation will be offered.

Friday, January 9
Family Fun
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Round up the crew and head for the hills. Telescope viewing, constellation canvassing and hands-on astronomy activities await.

Telescope Tips
Friday, January 30
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Are you having trouble with your new telescope from Santa? Or are you curious about how a telescope works? Bring your telescope so we can get you started on a lifetime of sky-viewing enjoyment. For those without a telescope, come to the Millard Observatory to use ours.

Galilean Birthday
Friday, February 13
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564. One example of his many contributions to astronomy is the improvement he made to the first telescopes. Although we may not be able to fit 445 candles on a cake, we will celebrate his birthday. It doesn’t get better than stargazing and cake!

M-portant Objects
Friday, February 20
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
As in the case of Charles Messier, sometimes you find what you weren’t looking for. This comet hunter named over one hundred objects we now refer to as M-objects. Join us to learn about these stellar finds.

Constellation Craze
Friday, March 13
8:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Remnants of the winter constellations linger as spring stars begin to make an appearance. The outrageous stories behind these sky pictures are sure to hit your bizarre button. Take some time to relax and let your mind wander with these tall tales.

Galaxy Quest
Friday, March 20
8:30 - 10:00 p.m.
The Milky Way Galaxy holds many breathtaking sights. What is beyond our own galaxy? Staff and volunteers will guide you on a journey through the night sky in search of places light-years away. Join us on this heavenly hike.

Thank you to the Omaha Hy-Vee Drugstore on North 30th Street for providing cups and hot chocolate for the astronomy programs.

Katherine and Fred Buffett Forest Learning Center 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd.

Bellevue, NE 68005 (402) 731-3140 info@fontenelleforest.org

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