Public Observing Nights

All Public Open House Nights are held RAIN, SHINE, or STARLIGHT at our observatory in New Berlin. Here is our schedule for the Public Observing Nights in 2026. Regardless of weather, we always have a presentation by one of members in the Quonset Hut meeting room. The presentation begins at our starting time and ends when it's dark enough for viewing, weather permitting. If you're planning on heading out to our observatory ... Milwaukee Astronomical Society is located at 18850 W Observatory Rd, New Berlin, WI 53146 and we will have signs up and volunteers who will help with parking, so you can plan to follow all directions when you arrive. Night sky observing generally lasts until 10pm for evening events, and you do not need to arrive at the start time of our events! Members will be holding our telescopes steady and offering views of the night sky throughout the night after dark if weather permits. Our MAS volunteer staff members will also be hosting tours, and can talk to you about what it's like to be a member or do amateur astronomy. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, and we have a ramp in the back of our Quonset Meeting Hall. Many of our buildings are on level ground with only a small hill to walk from our parking lot to the observing ground. But our grounds are grass, so use caution, and some buildings or telescopes do require stair or ladder usage. Please be aware we are an amateur observatory and it will be dark, so please attend to children and use caution when parking. We recommend bringing a flashlight and be very careful when approaching telescopes on site or member telescopes and ask before looking. Red tape over your flashlight is appreciated (available on site) to preserve night vision of attendees, and please limit bright headlights whenever possible. Dress for the weather -- our Quonset Meeting Hall is heated / air conditioned and bathrooms are on site. While this public event is free, our observatory and facilities are maintained entirely by volunteers and our low-priced membership fees, so donations and gifts are encouraged if you enjoyed your visit. As parking does take a toll on our grounds, so a minimum of at least a $5 donation is encouraged per person.