Cernan Earth and Space Center
Monthly Skywatch (with telescope viewing)
One Saturday night each month, take a voyage to explore the cosmos! The Cernan Earth and Space Center's Monthly Skywatch brings you the excitement of the current nighttime sky; the latest discoveries in astronomy, space science and Earth science; and (if weather permits) the opportunity to observe the moon, planets and other wonders of the sky through telescopes set up on the lawn outside the building. Telescopes are provided by volunteers from the Chicago Astronomical Society and Cernan Center staff members.
Please Note: Because the Monthly Skywatch presents scientific information at a more advanced level than our regular shows, we recommend it only for persons 13 years and older.
Admission for Monthly Skywatches:
Adults: $8
Children 2-12/Senior citizens 55 and over: $4
Children Under 2: FREE
Triton College students w/current semester I.D. (courtesy of TCSA): FREE
The following are the dates and topics for upcomingMonthly Skywatches, which are presented on Saturday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m., except for our June and July Monthly Skywatches, which now start at 8 p.m.
Dates and topics are subject to change.
Please call the Cernan Center at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372, for more information.
| 2015 Dates |
Featured Object(s) |
| January 31 |
Jupiter (at its best), Moon (92% lit) |
| March 7 |
Jupiter, Moon (95% lit) |
| March 28 |
Venus, Jupiter, Moon (67% lit) |
| April 25 |
Venus, Jupiter, Moon (51% lit) |
| May 23 |
Venus, Jupiter, Saturn (at its best), Moon (35% lit) |
| June 27 |
Venus (at its best), Jupiter, Saturn, Moon (82% lit) |
| July 25 |
Saturn, Moon (68% lit) |
| August 22 |
Saturn, Moon (53% lit) |
| September 26 |
Moon (98% lit) |
| October 24 |
Moon (91% lit) |
| November 21 |
Moon (81% lit) |
| December 19 |
Moon (67% lit) |
The Cernan Earth and Space Center also hosts special observing sessions when major celestial events occur, such as eclipses and bright comets. The Chicago Astronomical Society sponsors their own series of public observing sessions at several metropolitan locations. Call the Cernan Center at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372 for more information.