Warren Rupp Observatory

04/29/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-and-observatory-open-house-tickets-1988409434144?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for a cool movie night and stargazing at the observatory—fun under the stars!

04/28/2026

Our program in the Plotner Education Center on Saturday, May 2 will be the screening the screening of the film SMALL TOWN UNIVERSE. The film is set in Green Bank, West Virginia--site of the world’s largest steerable radio telescope--and traces the telescope’s history and the people that live under its watchful gaze of the radio universe. The program gets underway at 8:30 pm, followed by observing through telescopes, weather permitting. Admission-free.

04/20/2026

Join Us For National Astronomy Day
Saturday April 25, 2026
Astronomy enthusiasts are set to celebrate the national observance of Astronomy Day at the Warren Rupp Observatory. Astronomy Day was created by the Astronomical League, the world’s largest federation of amateur astronomical societies and individuals and has been celebrated nationally since 1973.

Events:
3:00 PM: Solar Observing White light (sunspots), Hydrogen Alpha Telescopes (surface features and prominences) and solar glasses. Weather permitting

4:00 PM Indoor astronomy activities: Rain or Shine.
Planetarium, Meteorites,
Lunar and solar sketching with Kim Balliett, Kids and Adults
Kids tattoo area
Lunar activities
“Faces” on the moon photo prop
Coloring station
“Meteor” drop, crater demonstration
Terry McQuistion-Author “Mo’s Journey Through The Solar System” Children’s Book Reading and Signing.
Door prizes (cosmic brownie)

8:00 PM Evening night sky observing, weather permitting.

04/18/2026

Our program on May 3 will be a screening of the film, “Small Town Universe”. This documentary explores the meditative aspects of life and isolation in a quiet rural community, Green Bank, West Virginia, home the world's most sensitive radio telescope. Green Bank is the only U.S. town where Wi-Fi and cell phones are banned. In this radio-quiet community, scientists search for signs of extraterrestrial life while locals navigate everyday necessities as well as occasional struggles.

The program will take place at 8:30 PM EDT following the general member meeting. The public are invited to attend.

04/05/2026

From Phil Hoyle: Now that we know that comet C/2026 A1 MAPS is a disappointment, we have perhaps an even better consolation prize. Comet C/2025 R3 PANSTARRS is already bright enough to see in binoculars and should be unaided eye visibility in the next couple of weeks.

03/24/2026

Next Public Night
Saturday April 4th, 2026
7:00 PM – RAS Member Meeting
8:00 PM – “The 2026 St. Patrick’s Meteor over Ohio” – Mark Vanderaar, Observatory Director – Richland Astronomical Society (Open to Public)
Approx. 8:30 PM – Observing if Clear

Welcome to the Warren Rupp Observatory, home to one of the largest telescopes open to the public. Our remarkable 36-inch diameter reflector telescope affectionately called “Big Blue” offers unparalleled views of the moon, our solar system’s planets AND the cosmos beyond. Operated by the member...

03/15/2026

Our Astronomy Day Event on April 25 made the spring edition of Leisure Living Magazine!

03/15/2026

The first half of the month of April you can view ELEVEN first-magnitude stars at one time, the most possible during any evening during the year. From east to west they are: Vega, Arcturus, Spica, Regulus, Pollux, Procyon, Sirius, Capella, Aldebaran, Betelgeuse and Rigel. How about that!

02/16/2026

March 7
5:30 General Meeting
6:30 PM Dr. Scudder Program
Jillian Scudder, Ph.D., Oberlin College
The Milky Way Smells of Rum & Raspberries

You may have heard it rains diamonds on Neptune, but less well known is the tale of how and why we know this and other odd-sounding facts about outer space. Dr. Jillian Scudder will take us on a tour of some of the more unexpected things we've learned about our Universe, and how we've come to these conclusions. Be prepared for raising the stellar dead, toxic clouds of gas, and of course, lasers and styrofoam.

Dr. Jillian Scudder is an Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Oberlin College. In addition to teaching and her research she is the author of 3 books on astronomy aimed at the general public. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the program.

02/14/2026

February 13: On this date in 1990, took a picture of the entire solar system on its way out of the solar system.

01/25/2026

Dr. St. John from OSU Newark has been a regular presenter at our Hidden Hollow events for several years. He returns in-person to present a 1 PM February 7 program at the on Gorman Nature Center entitled “The Geology of the Galilean Moons”. Our monthly business meeting will take place shortly following his program.