GRAND RAPIDS AMATEUR ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION
A NOTE TO GROUPS:
WE ARE FULLY BOOKED FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE.
Reservations for the 2023 season can be made on any other available evening between July 1 and November 15.
YOUR OWN NIGHT AT THE VEEN OBSERVATORY
Imagine your own personal night under the stars at the James C. Veen Observatory. No crowds, no lines, just your small group and a local astronomer to explore the night sky. Perfect for small families, groups of friends/neighbors, work teams, or even have your own date night at the Veen. Any group of 10 people or fewer.
Your visit would include up to 2 hours of observing the night sky. Depending on the date you choose, you may be able to observe the moon, various planets, as well as deep sky objects such as galactic and globular clusters, nebulae, and galaxies through the facility's two largest telescopes.
Additionally, your astronomer will:
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Help you identify bright stars and constellations
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Observe Earth orbiting satellites
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Give your group an opportunity to go "hands on" with one of the observatory's telescopes
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Show a video presentation about the Veen's history, how it is used today, and our plans for the future. The presentation includes dozens of photographs taken through our telescopes by members of the GRAAA.
Look through the reservations calendar below and pick out any available night Monday through Friday, then fill out and submit the reservation request form below. Exact dates and times will be based on your requests and the availability of a GRAAA member. The observatory is open for visits from March 15 through November 15. Once you submit your request, a member of the GRAAA will follow up with you via email.
Cost for your own personal night at the Veen Observatory is $50 payable by check to the GRAAA. All funds go to help maintain the Veen Observatory.
