The conditions for the second viewing session in March turned out to be pretty good.  No one from the public turned out.  I went up the observatory earlier in the afternoon and set up most of my astrophotography gear in anticipation of doing some imaging that I hadn't been able to do for weeks - being prevented by cold, clouds, wind etc.  I also wanted to test out the new firmware realeased that day which allows the ZWO SeeStar S50 (and S30) to be used in equatorial mode.  I have linked a video on why it's useful and how it works:

The Seestar is the telescope I am recommending as a first telescope and is relatively inexpensive. It does a whole lot for about $500!  It also does not require previous knowledge of the sky.  You just need a smart phone or tablet. A video on it can be found on the equipment page.

After resolving a glitch with my tripod, my testing went very well and I will be using it that way from now on.  Astrophotography with my more complicated rig didn't go so well.  I spent at least a couple of hours goofing with it and never got anything.  Astrophotographers call these "Gremlins" and because there are so many places can go wrong - they often do :(  I have since fixed the problem at home, but now have to wait for mother nature to cooperate.  Another thing that happened the night of the second offered viewing session was the aurorae (Northern Lights).  They weren't spectacular, but not bad either.  I didn't have the correct lenses with me for that, but it was enjoyable anyway.  See what you missed?

We'll try again this month for 2 more viewing sessions.  Since the sun is setting later each day, we can start the first one at 9:00 PM, but the seond one will have to wait a bit later.  A description of what we will look for is below.

In case of viewing session cancellation, I put out messages on the observatory email listserv and text lists. If no one reserves for a viewing session, I may opt for another activity at home. Please call or email instead of just showing up.  If you wish to be added to the e-mail and/or text list, e-mail me at mark.urwiller@gmail.com.  If you want to be on the text list I need your phone number and cell provider.  These services are free and free of ads/spam!

Please note these sessions are cancelled if the sky conditions/weather are not good.  What does that mean?  Well, (optical) telescopes can't see through clouds!  It will need to be almost perfectly clear.  The next potential problem is wind.  If the wind velocity is much more than about 10 mi/hr - that's too much!  A telescope magnifies the size of the objects we view - and the effects of the wind!  Lastly, is the issue of mud or snow (winter).  The last stretch of road to the observatory is not maintained. Please check the ClearSkyClock and weather links on the home page of this site!  What if you're in doubt the observing session will take place?  If it's not perfectly clear and calm, you can call (308) 293-5776 before leaving for the session!

The observatory now has a cell phone adapter for scopes and binoculars.  Before you get too excited, please note that cell phones are somewhat limited as to their astronomical capabilities.  You won't be able to photograph the "faint fuzzies" we put in the scope.  However, you will be able to leave with a photo of the moon or a planet :)  This unit features a bluetooth remote shutter so there is no shake to activate the shutter.  Come out and give it a try!

Here's a link for directions to the observatory starting from O'Neill:

Google Maps  or simply put Honey Creek Observatory into Google Maps and it will get you here!

From O'Neill Nebraska take US HWY 281 north to Road 883.  Turn left (west) 2 miles to 490 Avenue.  Turn right (north) 0.6 mile to the red gate. Proceed north of the gate another few hundred feet.  You will see the entrance on the right.  We will have you park along the fence near the entrance.  Be advised there is a barb wire fence around the building location.  If young children are present, they need to be watched.  Please call or e-mail to register so I know how many people to plan for! 

Click here for a Google Maps link!

Scheduled public viewing session and activities for April: 

Please email or call 308-293-5776 to register before 9:00 PM daily so we know how many guests to expect.  Sessions will be cancelled if no one contacts me to express interest.  There is no charge for these events!  Also, please call before leaving town if the weather is questionable.  Those on the text listserv will receive messages keeping you informed. & There is also the issue of whether the road is passable due to mud/snow depending on the time of year.

April 4th -  9:00 PM   Viewing of the moon, Jupiter, Mars, and double/multiple star systems.  As always a constellation tour will be given.

April 25th -  9:30 PM  Dark sky viewing at the observatory. Jupiter, Mars and Spring galaxies.  There are lots of them!

If you want to know about all Tri-City and O'Neill Area astronomical opportunities available free to the public this month, check here!