In late 2008, we broke ground on the Starry Hill Observatory. It took 13 months to complete construction. By early 2010, groups of kids, teachers and parents started visiting. And that was ten years ago. To help celebrate, we'd like to share the birth of our observatory via a sequence of pics. Click to get started. ➜

On December 21st, Jupiter will be passing Saturn in our sky. Although this happens every 20 years, this year they will appear so close in our sky that they will look like a single bright star. The last time they were this close was 1623 -- nearly 400 years ago -- making this conjunction a once-in-a-lifetime event. ➜

We think of Uranus as the Elusive Giant because it can be seen without optical aid but only when the conditions are right and then just barely. This dim, distant world is well-positioned now and is a worthy, stargazing challenge. Click to learn what it takes to see it naked-eye. ➜

The Orionids is a meteor shower associated with the most famous comet of all: Comet Halley. Because the debris left behind by this comet is traveling so rapidly, when the bits of dust and rock hit earth, they often appear as glowing 'fireballs' that streak across the sky. If you love natural fireworks, this meteor shower is not to be missed! ➜

The Perseids Meteor Shower is considered by many to be the best meteor shower of the year because of its high hourly rate. This year's show on August 11 will be especially good because it will be joined by Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, and the moon won't be in the way for hours. It's not to be missed! ➜

Although there may be billions of comets in our solar system's Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud, they are too small and far to be seen. Occasionally, one leaves this distant realm and comes close enough for us to view. The recent appearance of Comet Neowise in our sky has captured the attention of people all over the world and July is the best month to try to glimpse it. ➜

Few targets are more awesome in telescopes than Jupiter and Saturn. Stargazers know that the best times to view them is when they are at opposition because they are at their largest in our sky. In 2020, they reach opposition just a week apart and, what's more, they will be side-by-side in our sky. These two giants will be putting on quite a show... ➜

Getting kids excited about the night sky is at the heart of our mission here at Starry Hill. As part of that mission, we started an annual telescope contest in 2018 to give a telescope to a child who visited Starry Hill. We are happy to announce that we have our 3rd winner… ➜