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

CANCELED

Open House Event cancelled tonight due to inclement weather forecast.

Our next open house for the Observatory will be April 11, 2026

Ryan Observatory

Stellar Review

CHANGED TO IN PERSON ONLY
!! NO VIRTUAL OPTION !!

ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
BOYER HALL
450 S Easton Rd
Glenside, PA 19038

Stellar Review is a program that we conduct for small group visits to the Observatory. Join us along with students from Arcadia University for a tour of all the objects astronomers observe!

All Weather Event -7:15 PM-

CANCELED

Out of respect for our volunteer staff, the October 11th Open House at Ryan Observatory is canceled. 

We hope you’ll take part in ‘Observe the Moon Night’ from your own backyards and join us in November.

Ryan Observatory

International
Observe the Moon Night

Columbus Square Park Recreation Center
12th and 1200 Wharton Street
Passyunk, Philadelphia PA

Rain or Shine
All Welcome!
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Outside: We we provide telescope views of the Waxing Gibbous Moon.  Saturn is also on display and can be observed from the Recreation center baseball fields. If you have some astronomy gear (binoculars or telescopes) bring them along and join us.

Rain or Cloudy (Inside 7:30 PM): Stellar Jeopardy, families invited to play as teams. Also Luna, Name that Moon Tune! A celebration for International Observe the Moon Night.

Observation Opportunity
Saturday September 27 , 2025
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 6:53 PM
Civil Dusk-7:20 / Nautical Dusk- 7:51 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:23 PM
Nightfall 8:23 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday September 20 , 2025
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 7:05 PM
Civil Dusk-7:32 / Nautical Dusk- 8:03 / Astronomical Dusk- 8:35 PM
Nightfall 8:35 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

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation- Welcome ~ Rock Snake Project

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentations -Archeoastronomy

• 8:40 PM -Outdoor Presentation -Weather Dependent, Celestial Highlights Night sky laser light tour if clear (bring your binoculars), indoor sky orientation if cloudy.

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM -Event Ends
  

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

Bonnie Lawrence-Smith
Thunderbirds in Bighorn Basin Rock Art
Bonneville Archaeology

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

Recent cable programming shows Ancient Aliens and Secret of Skin Walker Ranch have interpreted Thunderbirds to be possible alien vehicles.  Their appearance next to Spirals is interpreted as a portal in Space/Time.  We thought to reach out to Bonnie who was a guest speaker at High County Lodge next to Medicine Wheel in the Bighorn Mountain range.  She might be able to provide what the accepted archaeological research concerning these Birds of Prey  or Alien Flying Vehicles actually entails.

Current Members will be sent Zoom access codes the day of the event.

Observation Opportunity
Wednesday September 3, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

Members of any astronomical society, 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 7:32 PM
Civil Dusk-8:00 / Nautical Dusk- 8:33 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:07
Nightfall 9:07 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 29, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

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 7:40 PM
Civil Dusk-8:08 / Nautical Dusk- 8:41 / Astronomical Dusk- 9:16
Nightfall 9:16 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 23, 2025
This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

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 7:49 PM
Civil Dusk-8:18 / Nautical Dusk- 8:51/ Astronomical Dusk- 9:27
Nightfall 9:27 PM

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 16, 2025

This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

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 7:19 PM
Civil Dusk-8:28 / Nautical Dusk- 9:03/ Astronomical Dusk- 9:40
Nightfall 9:40 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

• 7:30 PM ~ Stepp’in to the Stars ~ All Age Interactive

• 7:30 PM -Indoor Presentation: Welcome: Rock Snake Project~ Dawn Brooks

• 7:40 PM -Indoor Presentation: Luna, A Celebration!~ Lori Weidner, Lets name that Moon Tune

• 9:00 PM - Indoor or Outdoor, Weather Dependent, Perseid Meteor Shower ~ Ted Williams Night sky laser light tour if clear (bring your binoculars), indoor sky orientation if cloudy.

• 9:45 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:00 PM - Visitor Center Closes

• 10:15 PM - Last call for Telescope Observation

• 10:30 PM -Event Ends
  

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

Observation Opportunity
Saturday August 2, 2025

This event is conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.
Check our Discord site later in afternoon for evening outlook.

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 8:17 PM
Civil Dusk-8:47 / Nautical Dusk- 9:24 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:04
Nightfall 10:04 PM

Observation Opportunity
Clear Sky Gathering

Friday July 25, 2025
(Alternate) Saturday July 26, 2025

This will be conducted if clear skies are prevalent at sunset.  Check out  our Discord site for updates late Saturday.

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

Binoculars are considered astronomical observing gear!  If clear you can survey the Milky Way.  There is no presentation, just fellow amateurs  enjoying the view.

A Rittenhouse representative will be on hand at nightfall to turn off lighting for dark sky and astrophotography observations.  Night sky tour by laser beam will be conducted at Nightfall.

Camping overnight at the observatory is not permitted. Overnight stays can be accommodated at Muddy Run Campground.   Check our Discord site by late afternoon for cloudy weather cancellation.

Clear Sky Chart / Smoke Chart

(7/25/25) Sunset 8:25 PM
Civil Dusk-8:55 / Nautical Dusk- 9:33 / Astronomical Dusk- 10:16
Nightfall 10:16 PM