Wesleyan Astro Public Event FAQs
Answers to some of the most common questions we receive about what goes on at Van Vleck Observatory.- What is the difference between Space Nights and Kids' Nights?
Space Nights are aimed at high school level and above, but all visitors are welcome. Join us to learn about what's up in the night sky. Each Space Night starts with a half-hour interactive presentation by a member of our department (astronomy majors, graduate students, or faculty) on a topic of space news or recent discoveries in astronomy, followed by observing through the telescopes when it's clear. No registration is required.
Kids' Nights are aimed at elementary school ages, but all are welcome. Join us for kid-friendly space-related activities led by Wesleyan students, including stargazing with the campus telescopes when it's clear. Free registration is required! Register here through Middletown Parks and Rec. For entrance to this event, please give the name you registered under at the door, only those who have registered will be admitted. - What is the schedule for Space Nights?
Schedule: Wednesdays from 8:00-9:00PM at Van Vleck Observatory. Space Night is rain or shine, but the weather may impact if the telescopes are open.
The Fall 2024 schedule is as follows: Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 30 (not the 23rd because of fall break); Nov. 6, 13, 20; and Dec. 4.
- What is the schedule for Kids' Nights?
Fall 2024 Schedule: Friday, October 4th at 8 pm, Friday, November 1st and Friday December 6th at 7 pm, rain or shine.
Free registration is required! Register here through Middletown Parks and Rec. For entrance to this event, please give the name you registered under at the door, only those who have registered will be admitted. - Do you offer weekend observing?
Yes! One Saturday a month. Organized and hosted by the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford (ASGH), these observing sessions use our refurbished 20" refracting telescope. For details, schedule, please visit the ASGH website. ASGH has scheduled Saturday, September 14th from 9-11PM for public observing. Please check their website for more details and cancellations.
Additionally, we strive to offer at least one night of observing during Homecoming Weekend and Reunion & Commencement Weekend. The date for public observing during Homecoming 2024 is Saturday, November 2nd. - Do you offer private events?
Yes and no.
We are happy to host group visits for school groups, scouts, or other similar parties. We do not host private functions at the observatory. Day and night visits are possible. To schedule a group visit, please contact Stef Dinneen. Please note that group visits are limited in size. Groups wishing to observe through the telescope are limited to 12, while daytime tours can be somewhat larger. We cannot schedule a group visit during any previously scheduled public events and outside of the academic year. For the current academic calendar, please visit the registrar's webiste. - How can I get updates on public events?
Join Our Mailing List
To keep up-to-date on all the events at the observatory, you may subscribe to our mailing list. To subscribe, send an email with the subject line "subscribe astro-events" to: Astro-Events
- How do I find Van Vleck Observatory?