JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER

Sola Fide Observatory

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Astronomical Viewing: Sola Fide Observatory

Public viewing nights:

 On select Saturdays throughout the year, the observatory will be open for free public viewing. 
*This event is weather dependent. If it is raining or cloudy it will be cancelled.*
March
19th: 8-10pm - Moon viewing
April
9th: 7-10:30 pm -Statewide Star Party -Moon viewing
23rd: 8-10pm
May
7th: 9-11pm - Moon viewing
21st: 9-11pm
June
11th: 9-11pm - Moon viewing
25th: 9-11pm
July
9th: 9-11pm - Moon viewing
16th: 9-11pm
August
6th: 9-11pm - Moon viewing
20th: 9-11pm
September
3rd: 9-11pm - Moon viewing
24th: 9-11pm
October
1st: 8-10pm - Moon viewing
​22nd: 8-10pm

This is a free program and open to anyone.  Masks are recommended for  participants at the observatory. 


Directions

Address: 53734 180 St, Austin, MN 55912
From I-90, take Highway 218 south for 2.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto County Road 28 and drive 1 mile until you reach a stop sign. Turn left (south) onto County Road 29 and drive 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto 180th Street and drive 1/4 mile. The Observatory driveway will be on your right. Click here for Google Maps directions.

Resources

Local weather
Satellite images
Infrared satellite images
Comet observation page
Harvest Moon Observatory (Northfield, MN)
Sky and Telescope — Guide to Astronomy
Astronomy Magazine
Contact                                                   
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
1304 21st St NE
Austin, MN 55912
Phone: (507) 437-7519
Email: info@hormelnaturecenter.org

Fax: (507) 396-2903
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  • Home
  • About
    • Education Programs
    • FAQ/Rules
    • Trail Map
    • History
    • Staff
    • Nature Center Gifts
    • Canoe & Kayak Rental
    • Injured/Abandoned Animals
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Programs & Events
    • Upcoming Programs and Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • Summer Classes
    • Trail Access Tours
    • Nature Play Afternoons
    • Senior Specials
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
    • Kevin Dammen Mentorship Program
    • Employment
  • Facility Rental
  • Sola Fide Observatory
  • Resources
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Nature Notes
    • What's New In Nature?
    • Rain Garden
    • Pollinator Garden
    • Gravel Bed Tree Nursery
    • Sustainable Tips
    • Night Sky Viewing Guide
    • Environmental Education Resources