DATE CHANGE! January Astronomy Night at the Hoffelder Observatory

Date: Saturday, January 17
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but come later to see interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS!
Location:
Hoffelder Observatory
Long Mountain Trail parking area
1268 Vernon Street, Albany Township, Maine

What’s Happening:

Join the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum for another unforgettable night under the famously dark skies of Western Maine with the Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club. This winter observing session offers a front-row seat to some of the most dazzling objects in the night sky, viewed through the museum’s powerful telescope at the Hoffelder Observatory.

What We’ll Be Observing:

Weather and sky conditions permitting, our January observing menu includes:

• Jupiter and Saturn, along with several of their major moons
• The Double Cluster
• The Crab Nebula
• Additional deep-sky objects, depending on conditions
• BONUS: Closer to 9:30 p.m. we will be able to see interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS

This program is designed for all experience levels, from curious first-timers to seasoned skywatchers. Museum astronomers and volunteers will be on hand to guide the viewing and answer questions.

Weather & Cloud Updates:

Astronomy is at the mercy of the skies, and Maine weather likes to keep us humble.

Before heading out, please check for updates:

• Watch your email for a “cloud update” on Friday afternoon
• Visit the Facebook event on the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum page
• TEXT ONLY PLEASE: Reach Tom at (207) 739-9115 shortly before start time for a live weather update or help finding the Observatory

What to Know Before You Go:

• Dress warmly. Winter nights at the observatory can be brisk
• Expect short walks and uneven ground
• This is an outdoor, standing event
• Families and curious kids are welcome

Why Attend?

Western Maine offers some of the darkest skies in New England. January Astronomy Night is a chance to slow down, look up, and experience planets, nebulae, and star clusters in a way no screen can replicate. It’s science, wonder, and perspective all wrapped into one cold-weather adventure

Stay Up-To-Date on Astronomy Club News:

Join the Western Maine Star Chasers Astronomy Club email list to stay in the loop on the latest events, happenings and weather updates affecting programming! To join, email MMGM Meteorite Project Director Patrick Leverone at pleverone@mainemineralmuseum.org.