{"id":370,"date":"2024-02-23T17:49:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T17:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webtecsinc59.sg-host.com\/?page_id=370"},"modified":"2025-01-14T16:03:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:03:18","slug":"public-observatory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miottawa.org\/parks\/public-observatory\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Observatory at Hemlock Crossing"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”wt-template-1-hero blue-overlay-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/miottawa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/shutterstock_116635180_2200px.jpg” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Public Observatory
at Hemlock Crossing<\/h1>\n
\u00a0<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][dipl_breadcrumb breadcrumb_layout=”layout2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”4ac308bb-dfc5-429c-84d3-ba51ba248422″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dipl_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”7ca35439-cb06-4e1d-ace8-681437cfea37″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory is the first public observatory in West Michigan. Hours of operation are weather dependent.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory houses a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and was constructed and opened in 2022. It is operated by members of the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA)<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The completion of this project was made possible with the support from the SAAA, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission, Friends of Ottawa County Parks, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, as well as many members of our community who made financial contributions, large and small, to support this project.<\/p>\n

The observatory would not have been built without generosity of the community! Thank you to all who donated to support it.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.holland-saaa.org\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Become a member of SAAA” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”e5be9136-0d5c-4563-ad7f-d1b5a6c5e5c3″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Public Viewing<\/h2>\n

The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year whenever viewing conditions allow. A member from the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will be present to operate the telescope (required for viewing). Click the entries in the calendar below for public viewing dates and details, as well as any weather cancellations.<\/p>\n

* Please note if the forecast is overcast, the viewing will be cancelled. If cancelled, it will be noted on calendar entry.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Public Programs<\/h2>\n

In addition to weekly public viewing evenings, the SAAA will continue to offer a free public program each month at Hemlock Crossing, year-round. Find the schedule and register*:<\/p>\n