See the Stars on Select Satruday Evenings in Grand Rapids
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) have announced the 2022 James C. Veen Observatory public observing nights beginning April 23.
From late April through early November, the public is invited to visit the James C. Veen Observatory on selected Saturday evenings to observe a variety of celestial objects, sky and weather conditions permitting. The Observatory has three large permanently mounted telescopes, and on public nights they are augmented with instruments owned and supplied by GRAAA members. Visitors can also view an audio-visual presentation introducing the facility and celestial objects currently visible. Dates have been selected to favorably align with optimum moon phases, and are posted for the entire season at GRAAA.org.
The Veen Observatory is located at 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. in Lowell Township. Visit GRAAA.org for images and a map to the Observatory, along with information about reserving an appointment for a group visit to the facility.
Public observing nights will be canceled in the event of cloudiness. Status updates are posted at GRAAA.org and at 616- 897-7065 no later than 6:30 p.m. on the date of each scheduled event.
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 3-17, and free to children under the age of 5. GRPM and GRAAA members are free. Cash is appreciated, though checks and some credit cards are also accepted. Those who would find the quarter mile uphill walk from the parking area difficult can request the courtesy cart from a parking attendant or at the admissions desk.
The GRAAA will continue to follow all remaining or reinstated state indoor and outdoor safety measures related to COVID-19. Some wait times should be expected; later arrival during summer months ensures a darker sky for observing and shorter wait times.
