<![CDATA[The Horizons Observatory

<![CDATA[The Horizons Observatory - Blog]]>Sat, 23 May 2026 20:30:20 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Public Stargazing Night Friday, April 24, 2026 from 8:30-9:30pm]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:18:19 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/public-stargazing-night-friday-april-24-2026-from-830-930pm

This coming Friday night (April 24th) promises a clear, spring sky - perfect for Moon and planet gazing! Thus, the Horizons Observatory will host a public star party event from 8:30-9:30 (weather permitting). After a brief naked eye tour of the early spring night sky, the observatory’s 14” Celestron telescope and 10” inch Meade scope should provide stunning views of both the 1st quarter Moon and Jupiter with its accompanying “Galilean” moons. Each of these celestial objects promise to offer a superb views using the Horizons Observatory’s telescopes.

Given it will be a cold spring evening, dress warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Observatory Public Stargazing Night: Friday, March 27, 2026 from 8:00-9:30pm]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:46:16 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/horizons-observatory-public-stargazing-night-friday-march-27-2026-from-800-930pm

Hello Horizons Observatory Supporters!
While the past winter offered few clear nights, this coming Friday night (March 27th) promises to kick off Spring with excellent conditions for stargazing. Thus, the Horizons Observatory will host a public star party event from 8:00-9:30 (weather permitting). After a brief naked eye tour of the early spring night sky, the observatory’s 14” Celestron telescope and 10” inch Meade scope should provide stunning views of both Jupiter (our solar system’s gaseous giant) and the waxing Moon. Each of these beautiful celestial objects promise to offer a breathtaking view using the Horizons Observatory’s telescopes.

Given it will be a cold spring evening, dress warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.

Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service. To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org, click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.

Clear skies!
Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold, Horizons Observatory Co-Directors

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Stargazing Event: Tuesday, November 4, 2025]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:42:07 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/horizons-stargazing-event-tuesday-november-4-2025

Weather permitting, the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public this Tuesday night (November 4th) from 6:30pm-8:00pm for star and moon gazing! After a tour of the autumn night sky, we’ll turn our eyes and telescopes to three stunning celestial objects: the Hercules super cluster of stars, Saturn, and, finally, to the brightest and largest full Moon of 2025.

November’s full Moon, the Beaver Moon, was named by Native American tribes to mark the season when beavers prepare for winter, building their lodges before the freezing weather arrives. This year, the Beaver Moon is also a Supermoon, meaning it occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit (perigee). As a result, it will appear larger, rounder, and up to 30% brighter than a typical full moon.

Be sure to dress warmly. As well, please do not bring flashlights since they will interfere with our view of the night sky. We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends for what promises to be a memorable night of star, planet, and Moon gazing!

Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service.

To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.

Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold, Horizons Observatory Co-Directors

]]><![CDATA[Autumn Stargazing Event: Saturday, October 5, 2024 7:30-9:30 pm]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:42:52 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/autumn-stargazing-event-saturday-october-5-2024-730-930-pm

Hello Horizons Observatory Supporters!
A clear sky is forecast for this Saturday night (October 5th) so the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public for stargazing from 7:30-9:30 (weather permitting). Among the celestial objects we’ll view using the observatory’s 14” Celestron telescope and our new Meade 10” telescope will be the stunning Hercules Star Cluster (M13), the colorful double star Alberio, and, Saturn. Dress warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.
The Horizons Observatory is located on the campus of The Prosper Valley School at 1071 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, VT.
We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends on what promises to be a beautiful early autumn night full of stars! Again, the event will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.
Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service. To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.
Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold, Horizons Observatory Co-Directors

]]><![CDATA[Cosmic Countdown Program @ Norman Williams Public Library POSTPONED due to weather. New date: April 6th @10:30am]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:27:24 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/cosmic-countdown-program-norman-williams-public-library-postponed-due-to-weather-new-date-april-6th-1030am

Cosmic Countdown: Preparing for the 2024 North American Eclipse
Presented by NWPL and The Horizons Observatory
Date/Time/Location: POSTPONED until Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, Vermont from 10:30-11:30am

On April 8th 2024 northern Vermont will experience a total solar eclipse, an event considered by many who have been in the “path of totality” as the most overwhelming and memorable natural phenomena one will ever experience. And, unless one travels far and wide, it’s also a rare event: the last total solar eclipse in Vermont was in 1932 and next isn’t predicted until 2106! However, perhaps more rare the event itself, are those who come away from the experience saying, “It was no big deal”!

To help eclipse seekers prepare for the coming of totality, Woodstock’s Norman Williams Public Library and The Horizons Observatory are hosting a free public hour-long presentation highlighting the geometry and science of total eclipses, what to expect during totality, how to best prepare, and, importantly, how to safely view the sun before, during, and after totality.

We hope you’ll join us on Saturday morning, April 6th in preparation for April 8th!

Note: The Horizons Observatory will not be open during the April 8th eclipse since totality in Vermont will only occur in the northern part of the state.

]]><![CDATA[Cosmic Countdown - POSTPONED until April 6th @10:30am]]>Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:45:01 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/cosmic-countdown-preparing-for-the-2024-north-american-eclipse

Cosmic Countdown: Preparing for the 2024 North American Eclipse
Presented by Norman Williams Public Library and The Horizons Observatory
Date and Time: Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:30-11:30am (Note: POSTPONED due to
March 23rd snowstorm forecast.)
Location: Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, VT

On April 8th 2024 northern Vermont will experience a total solar eclipse, an event considered
by many who have been in the “path of totality” as the most overwhelming and memorable
natural phenomena one will ever experience. And, unless one travels far and wide, it’s also a
rare event: the last total solar eclipse in Vermont was in 1932 and next isn’t predicted until 2106! However, perhaps more rare the event itself, are those who come away from the
experience saying, “It was no big deal”!

To help eclipse seekers prepare for the coming of totality, Woodstock’s Norman Williams Public Library and The Horizons Observatory are hosting a free public hour-long presentation highlighting the geometry and science of total eclipses, what to expect during totality, how to best prepare, and, importantly, how to safely view the sun before, during, and after totality.

We hope you’ll join us on Saturday morning, April 6th at 10:30am at NWPL in preparation
for April 8th!

Note: The Horizons Observatory will not be open during the April 8th eclipse since totality
in Vermont will only occur in the northern part of the state.

Clear Skies,
Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold
Co-directors, The Horizons Observatory

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Stargazing Event: September 1, 2023 from 8:30-10:00 pm]]>Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/horizons-stargazing-event-september-1-2023-from-830-1000-pm

Hello Horizons Observatory Supporters!
A clear sky is forecast for this Friday night (September 1st) so the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public for stargazing from 8:30-10:00 (weather permitting). Among the celestial objects we’ll view using the observatory’s 14” Celestron telescope will be the stunning Hercules Star Cluster (M13), the colorful double star Alberio, and, later in the evening, Saturn (a jewel!). The observing night will close with the appearance of a large, beautiful waning Moon. Dress warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.
The Horizons Observatory is located on the campus of The Prosper Valley School at 1071 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, VT.
We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends on what promises to be a beautiful lat summer night full of stars! Again, the event will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.
Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service. To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org, click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.
Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold, Horizons Observatory Co-Directors

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Observatory Stargazing Event: Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 6:30-7:30 pm]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:06:57 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/february-09th-2023

A clear sky is forecast for this Saturday night (February 11th) - so the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public for stargazing from 6:30-7:30 (weather permitting). After a brief naked eye tour of the winter night sky, the main attraction will be Comet ZTF, the “green comet”. Although now receding and barely visible to the naked eye, the comet’s coma (cloud of gas surrounding the nucleus) will be visible as glowing “fuzzball” through a pair of binoculars and our telescopes. (Note: The beautiful tail seen in photographs will be too diffuse to see with a telescope.) We’ll also have good views of Mars, the Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Dress very warmly. If you have them, bring your binoculars. (We’ll also have a couple to share at the observatory). Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.
The Horizons Observatory is located on the campus of The Prosper Valley School at 1071 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, VT.
We're looking forward to seeing you on what promises to be a beautiful mid-winter’s night! This event will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.
Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service. To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org, click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.
Rob Hanson, Horizons Observatory Director

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Observatory Stargazing Event: Friday, December 9, 2022 5:00-6:30 pm]]>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:38:32 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/december-08th-2022

A clear sky is forecast for this Friday night (December 9th) - so the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public for stargazing from 5:00-6:30 (weather permitting). The early start time will hopefully allow us to view a parade of planets, a star cluster, and a stunning binary star system - Saturn, Jupiter (with its four “Galilean” moons), Mars, the Pleiades, and Alberio - before a nearly full moon rises above the eastern hill (around 6:00). Dress very warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.
The Horizons Observatory is located on the campus of The Prosper Valley School at 1071 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, VT.
We're looking forward to seeing you on what promises to be a beautiful late autumn night! This event will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.

Throughout the year, the Horizons Observatory hosts free public stargazing tours using telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye observation. To ensure clear skies for these events, a “short notice” (24-36 hours before the event) email is sent out to all those on the Horizons Observatory notification service. To be placed on the notification service, simply go to www.horizonsobservatory.org, click on “Blog”, type in your email address in the space provided, and click “Submit”. It’s that easy! The Horizons Observatory is located on the grounds of The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, Vermont.
Rob Hanson, Horizons Observatory Director

]]><![CDATA[Horizons Observatory Stargazing: Friday, October 21, 2022 7:30-9:30pm]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:02:28 GMThttps://www.horizonsobservatory.org/blog/horizons-observatory-stargazing-friday-october-21-2022-730-930pm

A clear moonless sky is forecast for Friday night (October 21st) - so the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public for stargazing from 7:30-9:30 (weather permitting). After a tour of the night sky, we’ll use the observatory’s 8" and 14” telescopes to gaze upon the Hercules Star Cluster (M13), the Ring Nebula, Alberio (a stunning binary star system), Saturn, and Jupiter (with its four “Galilean” moons). Dress warmly. Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.
The Horizons Observatory is located on the campus of The Prosper Valley School at 1071 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, VT.
We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends on what promises to be a beautiful early autumn night full of stars! This event will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.

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