Amazing Planet Views with Tom Hoffelder | Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club

Date: Friday, January 23 or Saturday, January 24
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gem Theater – Parking Lot, 48 Cross Street, Bethel

(Friday/Saturday flexibility allows for weather conditions. One night will be selected if skies cooperate.)

Event Details:

Join the Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club for a rare and exciting night of planetary observing in Bethel.

This evening offers an out-of-this-world lineup: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, the dwarf planet Ceres, and stunning details of our Moon — all visible in a single session. Because these objects are bright, the program will take place at a different in-town location, and the 14-inch Hoffelder Observatory telescope will not be required.

Led by Tom Hoffelder, longtime amateur astronomer and namesake of the Hoffelder Observatory, this event is ideal for both first-time stargazers and seasoned sky watchers. You’ll have the chance to see multiple planets live through the eyepiece of Tom’s 8-inch telescope and ask questions about what you’re observing in real time.

Learn more about the planets starring in this upcoming celestial lineup with NASA.

What to Know Before You Go

• This is an outdoor event—please dress warmly
• To preserve night vision, turn off headlights when arriving
• Binoculars or personal telescopes are welcome
• Programming is free and open to all ages

Part of the Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club

This event is part of MMGM’s Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club, a free, no-membership community program focused on shared curiosity and hands-on astronomy. Just show up when you can and enjoy the night sky together. Email pleverone@mainemineralmuseum.org to join the astronomy club’s email list to stay in the loop on events. lectures and more.

Follow the link for all upcoming MMGM events, including Astronomy Club events.