JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER
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Astronomical Viewing: Sola Fide Observatory

Public viewing nights:

On select Saturdays throughout the year, reserve a time slot for our upcoming public view night by calling 507-437-7519, sending us an email at info@hormelnaturecenter.org, or sending us a message on our facebook or instagram!
Reservations are required to keep Times are offered every 20 min to allow for disinfecting between groups. 

*This event is weather dependent. If it is raining or cloudy it will be cancelled.*

March
6th & 20th - 8 pm
April
10th & 17th - 8 pm
May
1st - 8-10 pm & 15th - 9 pm
June
5th & 19th - 9 pm 
July
17th & 31st - 9 pm 
August
14th & 28th - 9 pm 
September
11th - 9pm & 25th - 8 pm 
October
9th & 23rd - 8 pm
November
6th & 13th - 8 pm 

This is still a free program and open to anyone.  Masks are required to be worn by all participants at the observatory. Time slots are spaced out so that the area can be disinfected in between groups. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.  



Directions

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
    • 50th Anniversary >
      • Photo Contest
    • FAQ
    • Trail Map
    • History
    • Staff
    • Nature Center Gifts
    • Canoe & Kayak Rental
    • Injured/Abandoned Animals
  • Programs & Events
    • Summer Classes
    • Calendar of Events
    • Trail Access Tours
    • Nature Play Afternoons
    • Senior Specials
    • Eco-Blitz: Soil
    • Dammen Adventure Family Fun Day
    • Friends Bus Trip
  • Get Involved
    • Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
    • Kevin Dammen Mentorship Program
    • Volunteer Calendar
    • Volunteer Work Parties
  • Facility Rental
    • Facility Rental Policies
  • Sola Fide Observatory
    • Night Sky Viewing Guide
  • Resources
    • Rain Garden
    • Sustainable Tips
    • Phenology
    • Nature Notes
    • Environmental Education Resources