Event

In the past we've opened the observatory for tours and solar observing, set up a tent and table outside with handouts, and done a shortened solar system walk for prizes (with participants 'fluttering as space butterflies' of sort).

 

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Eastern

Location: Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd
Westminster, MD 21158

Information for Visitors
Instructions for the Public:

Come visit, answer trivia, earn space stickers!  Meet a NASA Solar System Ambassador.

Location Details

Bear Branch Nature Center
Monthly meeting and main observing site. Meetings second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 pm. Planetarium shows 7:30 and 8:30 once per month. Check website for specific dates.

Notes:
Check website during inclement weather.

Event Report

Photo From Monarch Festival @ BBNC/Observatory
Planetarium opened up to show video on life of Monarch butterflies. Credit: Dan Packy
Photo From Monarch Festival @ BBNC/Observatory
Star party for our closest star. Credit: Laurie V. Ansorge

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 9/26/2026
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern
Catoctin Creek Nature Center Star Party Catoctin Creek Nature Center
2929 Sumantown Rd
Middletown, MD
Sat 9/26/2026
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern
Astronomy Festival on the National Mall
Sat 10/3/2026
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern
Cunningham Falls Day Time Astronomy Cunningham Falls - Day Viewing Area
14343 North Beach Circle
Graceham, MD
Sat 10/3/2026
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern
Cunningham Falls Night Astronomy Cunningham Falls - Night Viewing Area (Dam Overlook Parking Area)
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD