In commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary,
We are honored to announce the recipient of the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Medal

Professor James Edward Gunn
Sunday October 18th 2026 @ 6:30 PM

The Rittenhouse Medal was one of those originally minted to commemorate the Bi-Centenary of the birth of David Rittenhouse on April 8, 1932.  It was thought fitting by the members to include one of the medals as a souvenir along with the Certificate of Honorary Membership.

This event will be hosted at the Delaware County Institute of Science in Media, PA. Please note that advance registration is required; no fee or membership is required to attend. Please make sure you reserve your spot in our store. Parking in Media PA is free on Sunday. No need to pay the meters.

You may wish to join us virtually at 6:15 PM Eastern on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/W9j4-F6WUnI

Tentative Agenda for Medal Ceremony
 Please note that this agenda is intended as a guide and may change fluidly as the event unfolds.

4:00 PM Dinner at Spassos Italian Grill, Media PA
5:45 PM Dessert and Private tours at DCIS
6 15 PM Doors open to Public, No Fee Registration for seats here.
6:15 PM Live Stream Opens to Public on YouTube
6:30 PM Presentation Commences: Ted Williams, RAS President
6:40 PM David Brown RAS program director/ Historian
6:55 PM Professor Gunn Acceptance
7:05 PM Ted Williams speaks of David Rittenhouse
7:20 PM Refreshments

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Welcome~ Indoor Presentation

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

International Observe the Moon Night
Saturday September 19

7:30-9:30 PM
Dry Ground and possibly clear Skies Prevail,
Join us for a view of the Moon,
we will Peek through the Cloud Openings

Rittenenhouse Astronomical Society returns to Columbus Recreation park for International Observe the Moon Night. On nights with partial cloud cover, astronomers sometimes refer to this as "spotting through breaks in the clouds or Sucker Holing." By the time you get your scope on your target, the clouds may have shifted.

Members interested in helping out, please sign on to our Discord site and reserve your spot (we have 5 parking spots reserved for those helping out with the art expo.

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

10:15 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Welcome~ Indoor Presentation

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

MEMBERS, CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR ZOOM LINK !

RAS Virtual Gathering of the Society
for upcoming Fall Activities

Zoom Portal Opens 6:15 PM
Event 6:30 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 15, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

York College is looking for community outreach opportunities and would like to schedule private tours of ROMR. York College will provide bus transportation for up to 20 participants. RAS is seeking three volunteers to operate the domes and speak about observatory processes. The event will take place on Friday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM. Volunteers who sign up are expected to remain available the following day in case the event needs to be rescheduled due to cloud cover or rain. Please sign up on our Discord Site if interested.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:01 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:30 / Nautical Dusk- 9:05 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:42 PM
Nightfall 9:42 PM

Observation Opportunity
Friday August 14, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

York College is looking for community outreach opportunities and would like to schedule private tours of ROMR. York College will provide bus transportation for up to 20 participants. RAS is seeking three volunteers to operate the domes and speak about observatory processes. The event will take place on Friday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM. Volunteers who sign up are expected to remain available the following day in case the event needs to be rescheduled due to cloud cover or rain. Please sign up on our Discord Site if interested.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:02 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:31 / Nautical Dusk- 9:06 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:44 PM
Nightfall 9:44 PM

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

10:15 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Welcome~ Indoor Presentation

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation~ 250th Anniversary Celebration: David Rittehouse, Our Forgotten Pioneer Astronomer , Ted Williams- RAS President Join us as Ted “channels” David Rittenhouse to our visitors from a unique perspective.

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity
Friday July 31, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

York College is looking for community outreach opportunities and would like to schedule private tours of ROMR. York College will provide bus transportation for up to 20 participants. RAS is seeking three volunteers to operate the domes and speak about observatory processes. The event will take place on Friday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM. Volunteers who sign up are expected to remain available the following day in case the event needs to be rescheduled due to cloud cover or rain. Please sign up on our Discord Site if interested.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:19 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:49 / Nautical Dusk- 9:26 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:07 pm
Nightfall 10:07 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday July 25, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

York College is looking for community outreach opportunities and would like to schedule private tours of ROMR. York College will provide bus transportation for up to 20 participants. RAS is seeking three volunteers to operate the domes and speak about observatory processes. The event will take place on Friday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM. Volunteers who sign up are expected to remain available the following day in case the event needs to be rescheduled due to cloud cover or rain. Please sign up on our Discord Site if interested.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:25 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:56 / Nautical Dusk- 9:34 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:16 pm
Nightfall 10:16 PM

Observation Opportunity
Friday July 24, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:25 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:57 / Nautical Dusk- 9:35 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:17 PM
Nightfall 10:17 PM

Observation Opportunity
Friday July 17, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

York College is looking for community outreach opportunities and would like to schedule private tours of ROMR. York College will provide bus transportation for up to 20 participants. RAS is seeking three volunteers to operate the domes and speak about observatory processes. The event will take place on Friday evening from 5:00–9:00 PM. Volunteers who sign up are expected to remain available the following day in case the event needs to be rescheduled due to cloud cover or rain. Please sign up on our Discord Site if interested.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:31 PM
Civil Dusk- 9:02 / Nautical Dusk- 9:42 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:26 PM
Nightfall 10:26 PM

Observation Opportunity
Thursday July 16, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:31 PM
Civil Dusk- 9:02 / Nautical Dusk- 9:42 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:26 PM
Nightfall 10:26 PM

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

10:15 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation / Welcome

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation / Are Aliens Visiting Earth, Robert Naeye

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity
Sunday June 21, 2026: Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground. 

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 8:37 PM
Civil Dusk- 9:09 / Nautical Dusk- 9:51 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:39 PM
Nightfall 10:39 PM

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend
“Stellepardy”

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:40 PM -Stellepardy, Thats right! Jeopardy with all astronomy oriented categories

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

MEMBERS, CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR ZOOM LINK !

Cosmovision and Observational Astronomy in the Mid 21st Century
Deborah Skapik Upper School Physics and Astronomy Teacher

Deborah is an Ambassador with The Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP.)  She has been asked to give this presentation at Ryan Observatory this September 12 th. This will be a preview of that program for our members and volunteers of Ryan Observatory.

Zoom Portal Opens 7:15 PM
Event 7:30 PM

City Telescope Night/ Art Expose: Friday May 22
Observation Clouded Out!

Hear from our Artists inside @ 7:45 PM Rain or Shine!
Afterwards: RAS public gathering to announce 2026 Medal Recipient

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society returns to Columbus Recreation park but clouds will prohibit star observation.

Inside the Recreation center, Space Themed art work will be on display.  At 7:45 hear from the Artists and what inspired them inside the recreation center classroom. Dan Mead, Astro-photographer and RAS Board Advisor joins us after the Art Expose to share some of the recent photons he has collected.

Members interested in helping out, please sign on to our Discord site and reserve your spot (we have 5 parking spots reserved for those helping out with the art expo.

Afterward: RAS members (and any interested in membership) will gather for a live meet-up to announce our 2026 Medal recipient.

Observation Opportunity
Saturday May 16, 2026 : Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:45 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:45 / Nautical Dusk- 9:23 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:05 PM
Nightfall 10:05 PM

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend
Dr. Lydell Nunn : Astrophotography

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM -Welcome

• 7:40 PM -Dr. Lydell Nunn: Astrophotography

• 8:30 PM - Celestial Highlights, Laser Guided Star Tour, Bring your binoculars

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM -Event Ends
  

Ryan Observatory

David Walker: RAS Vice President
Artemis II

This Event will be conducted virtually. We lost our feed during the last open house and members did not have a chance to link to a live stream of his talk. Dave will conduct the talk virtually live in person, so those on site and those who tried to join remotely can enjoy the presetation.

Observation Opportunity
Friday April 17, 2025 : Sunset
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Rittenhouse Society Members, volunteers, and those interested in starting a membership are welcome to set up their personal astronomy gear to observe from the Ryan Observatory Amphitheater. Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  There is no presentation,  just fellow amateurs enjoying the view.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at Civil Dusk (time below) to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations. 

If interested in joining our society, Membership with RAS can be renewed or initiated on site with personal check, PayPal, or credit card.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:45 PM
Civil Dusk- 8:13 / Nautical Dusk- 8:47 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:23 PM
Nightfall 9:23 PM

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-
All interested are invited to attend

-9:45 PM- Last call for Telescope Observation

• 7:15 PM -Observatories and telescopes open for observation (weather permitting)

• 7:30 PM - Welcome

• 7:35 PM - Ellie the Bunny Hops to the Moon: Amelia Rose DiMaio

• 7:50 PM - Future Artist Ashley Zelinski

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM -Event Ends
  

Arts Night!
Amelia Rose DiMaio will present a short intro to our arts night and speak about her book, Ellie the Bunny Hops to the Moon.
Ashley Zelinskie will share her work in astronomical art.Volunteers are always needed to assist with observation and educational interactions.  Members are always welcome to set up their telescopes and assist the attending public with the view.

Ryan Observatory

Virtual Gathering: Stellar Survey

Wednesday April 1 , 2026 7:00 PM
This gathering is for RAS members, Ryan Observatory Volunteers and Arcadia University

Check our Discord Site or check your e-mail for Zoom meeting codes.

Volunteers, Members and Arcadia University Students  are welcome to gather virtually as we Zoom our Stellar Survey program live from the Ryan Observatory. This provides an opportunity to experience virtually how small group observing sessions (under 8 people) are conducted in the observatory.  Members and volunteers who are interested in volunteering to operate the observatory are encouraged to attend.

Ryan Observatory

Messier Marathon Opportunity

Marathon night requires a fairly clear sky which is not in the forecast. Sorry to inform everyone out marathon tonight will not be conducted.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 7:18 PM

https://www.ryanobservatory.com/

Observation Opportunity

Friday February 27 , 2026 Sunset
This opportunity is provided if clear skies prevail at sunset.
Check back here the afternoon before event for final weather call.

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset (5:45 PM)

If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Gate will open again from 7:00 till 7:10 PM
No entry after 7:10 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests  are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the parking area or amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Sunset 5:55 PM
Civil Dusk-6:22 / Nautical Dusk- 6:53 / Astronomical Dusk- 7:24
Nightfall 7:24 PM

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity Jupiter Opposition

Saturday January 10, 2026 Sunset
This opportunity is provided if clear skies prevail at sunset.
Check back here the afternoon before event for final weather call.
Rain or cloudy alternative Sunday January 11, 2026

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset (5:00 PM)

If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Gate will open again from 6:00 till 6:10 PM
Gate will open again from 7:00 till 7:10 PM
No entry after 7:10 PM

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, or those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory.

Sunset 4:59 PM
Civil Dusk-5:29 / Nautical Dusk- 6:03 / Astronomical Dusk- 6:35
Nightfall 6:35 PM

Ryan Observatory

Observation Opportunity

Sunday, SOLSTICE December 21, Sunset

This opportunity is provided if clear skies prevail at sunset. Check back here the afternoon before event for final weather call.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

Sunset 4:43 PM
Civil Dusk-5:14 / Nautical Dusk- 5:48 / Astronomical Dusk- 6:21
Nightfall 6:21 PM

Arrive before sunset : Gate Closes at Sunset (5:00 PM)
Gate open 6:00-6:10 PM
Gage opens again 7:00-7:10 PM

If you arrive and gate is not open, line up on right side of entrance driveway.
Park is closed after sunset. We will have the Discord site operating on a voice & video channel. You might also reach us there.

Volunteers, Members and their guests and interested Amateurs (from any astronomy group or society, or those interested in membership) are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides members with a secure dark sky location and practice with your equipment. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.  Observatories will be open dependent on volunteers. Visitor center is not open other than bathroom use.  

This is also a good time for our volunteers to grow their observatory ‘situational awareness.”  Time operating the telescopes is excellent practice to grow ones skill set.  Volunteers can learn tips from each other.  There is no planned programming, no speakers, just members and volunteers using their own gear.

A Rittenhouse Representative will be on site to track attendance and dim lights at Civil Dusk for dark sky observation and photography.

NO sleeping is permitted in personal vehicles at the observatory. Muddy Run Campground is open for the season and has overnight campsites.

Ryan Observatory