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