OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation invites the community to celebrate National Astronomy Day on Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 PM to midnight, with a free, family-friendly event at the Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory.

Hosted by the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association, this all-day event includes solar viewing, a self-guided Planet Walk, an evening lecture titled Perspectives of Scale, and nighttime telescope viewing with constellation stories.  

Activities are designed for all ages and experience levels, making it a great introduction to astronomy for families and curious learners. 

“We’re excited to give people a chance to experience the wonders of the universe through a large telescope,” said Frank Roldan, SAAA Observatory Director. “Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, there’s always something to discover. Fingers crossed for clear skies!”

Children who attend will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a telescope. The winner will be announced on the SAAA website: www.holland-saaa.org.

12:00-5:00 PM

• Solar observing with the Coronado and Meade LX-600 telescopes
• Self-guided Planet Walk showing the scale of the solar system 

7:00-8 PM

• Evening lecture: Perspectives of Scale 

8 PM-12:00 AM 

• Night sky observing with multiple telescopes
• Constellation identification and mythological stories 

In the event of cloudy skies, activities will be available inside the Nature Education Center from 12:00-5:00 PM, including a Planet Walk display, telescope exhibit, and space-themed videos. 

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated but not required. Learn more or sign up at https://bit.ly/astronomyday-5-9 

The Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created for the purpose of furthering the enjoyment of amateur astronomy. They promote science and astronomy in West Michigan through public outreach initiatives in partnership with Ottawa County Parks, the Holland State Park, Hope College, the Holland Museum, local libraries, parks, public schools and other astronomical societies.