Upcoming Events

 

Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory

The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year whenever viewing conditions allow.  Dress appropriately as the temperature inside the observatory will match the outside ambient temperature.  Night sky tour includes: visible planets, the Moon, galaxies, star clusters and planetary nebulae.  When viewing conditions call for overcast skies, chance of rain or snow, the viewing session will be canceled.

 

Club Meetings

Club meetings are open to the public.  They occur at 7pm on the second Thursday of the month throughout the school year (September – May). Meetings are held in the planetarium at Macatawa Bay School 3700 140th Avenue, Holland, Michigan.  There are no club meetings in the summer months (June – July – August).

Click here for directions to Macatawa Bay School.

 

Lectures at Hemlock Crossing

SAAA presents informational and educational lectures at Hemlock Crossing inside the Nature Education Center on the first Saturday of the month.  Programs are followed by public observatory sessions accompanied by member’s telescopes.  The goal is to have fun while learning.

2025 Lecture Schedule

DateTimeTitlePresenter
Jan 47 pm Lecture:  Europa MissionMike Cortright
Feb 17 pmLecture:  James Webb TelescopeMike Long
Mar 17 pmLecture:  Telescope ClinicVarious Members
Apr 37 pmLecture: Spring and Summer SkyKarl Rijkse
May 37 pmLecture: Lunar and Solar EclipsesPeter Burkey
Jun 7duskObservatory: Public NightSAAA Members
Jul 5duskObservatory: Public NightSAAA Members
Aug 2duskObservatory: Public NightSAAA Members
Sep 67 pmLecture: Fall and Winter SkyFrank Roldan
Oct 47 pmLecture:  Comets, Asteroids and MeteorsBarry Schoenfelner
Nov 17 pmLecture:  Life Cycle of StarsJim Reier