Doug Firebaugh Observatory

05/03/2026

Tonight’s topic, the Artemis II mission!

05/02/2026

Welcome to our 2026 season! Our open house is happening NOW, Saturday May 1 and will go through this evening! Stop by, say hello, and check out a few interactive displays and telescopes!

05/02/2026

⭐️ TODAY IS OUR OPEN HOUSE! Don’t miss it! ⭐️

Tomorrow! Join us for our 25th Annual Open House! Tour the observatory, explore the night sky with telescopes, and learn through interactive displays. Open to all ages and experiences. This is a FREE event!

☀️ 4:00 PM Doors open to the public to view interactive displays
🔭 8:00 PM Welcome presentation begins
⭐️ 8:30 PM Night sky viewing begin

05/01/2026

Tomorrow! Join us for our 25th Annual Open House! Tour the observatory, explore the night sky with telescopes, and learn through interactive displays. Open to all ages and experiences. This is a FREE event!

☀️ 4:00 PM Doors open to the public to view interactive displays
🔭 8:00 PM Welcome presentation begins
⭐️ 8:30 PM Night sky viewing begin

04/29/2026

Want to understand astronomy on a deeper level? Look no further! Our Starting Out in Astronomy course is a 6-week deep-dive to establish a foundation for those interested in the science and hobby of astronomy. No previous knowledge necessary!

🪐 Don't Miss It: Starting Out in Astronomy! ⭐️

This six-week course hosted by the Doug Firebaugh Observatory will provide a foundation for those interested in the science and hobby of astronomy through a series of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. No previous knowledge necessary!

EVERY THURSDAY, MAY 7 to JUNE 11, 2026
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Must be 16 years or older to register.
Course cost: $75 due first day of class.

To register, please contact Director Jim Dole at 815-291-3072

04/20/2026

🪐 Don't Miss It: Starting Out in Astronomy! ⭐️

This six-week course hosted by the Doug Firebaugh Observatory will provide a foundation for those interested in the science and hobby of astronomy through a series of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. No previous knowledge necessary!

EVERY THURSDAY, MAY 7 to JUNE 11, 2026
7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Must be 16 years or older to register.
Course cost: $75 due first day of class.

To register, please contact Director Jim Dole at 815-291-3072

04/04/2026

What's up in April? Check out these sky watching tips from NASA:

April 17: Best chance to see Comet C/2025 R3
April 21 to 22: Lyrid meteor shower peak
April 27: Comet C/2025 R3 makes closest approach to Earth

Mercury shines at its brightest for the year, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a bright new comet makes an appearance in April’s night sky.Catch Mercury lo...

03/03/2026

What's up this March? Early this morning, we had a total lunar eclipse, but there are other exciting things happening!

March 8: Venus + Saturn Conjunction
March 20: Vernal Equinox

Check out the NASA video below 👇

What are some skywatching highlights in March 2026?A total lunar eclipse blood moon takes centre stage, Venus and Saturn cozy up for a conjunction, and we ce...

03/02/2026

🌕 Total Lunar Eclipse EARLY Tuesday Morning (3/3/26) 🌕

A total lunar eclipse will be visible late tonight/early tomorrow morning. During totality, Earth’s shadow will completely cover the Moon, giving it a deep red or coppery glow — a beautiful sight you can see with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope.

⏰ Key Times:
• 2:44 AM: 1st penumbral phase
• 3:50 AM: 1st partial phase
• 5:04 AM: Totality begins
• 6:02 AM: 2nd partial phase

Here in Freeport and across the Midwest, we may catch partial totality before the Moon sets, so a clear view of the western horizon will offer the best chance to see the deepest red glow.

Please note: The Doug Firebaugh Observatory will NOT be open for special eclipse viewing.

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

02/03/2026

What can you see in the sky this February? NASA's Artemis II mission has its first opportunity to launch to the moon, Orion the Hunter takes center stage, and a planetary parade marches across the night sky ⭐️

What are some skywatching highlights in February 2026?Jupiter is at its biggest and brightest all year, the Moon and Saturn pair up, and the Beehive Cluster ...