Naylor Observatory

Naylor Observatory The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA., Inc. (ASH) was formed in 1955 and has over 110 paid memberships. These events occur starting at sunset until 11pm.

Counting family members and individual paid memberships we have over 110 members. We are one of the largest astronomy organizations in the state. In 1966, the society bought land to construct our Edward L Naylor Astronomical Center, which opened up in 1967. The society's members share a wide variety in interests in astronomy including basic astronomical observation, astrophotography, telescope mak

ing, radio astronomy, comet hunting, meteorics, planetary sciences, CCD imagery, Earth orbiting satellite observations, and many other topics. Some members have decades of experience, and some are just starting out. Some members have fine equipment of their own, and some don't own a telescope. Whatever your situation is you are sure to find a home and friends within the society and others having a similar level of experience as yourself. For driving directions visit: http://www.astrohbg.org./ASH-i/Directions.html




Public Observing: Public observing will be held on certain Sunday evenings out of a calendar year. These are weather permitting. If its cloudy or rainy, there will be no public observing. CAUTION: If you do not know the area, please come a little early, so your can find your way alright. Please always watch for deer in the area. Limited parking will be available for public observing, car pool if possible. TELESCOPES AT NAYLOR:
Roll-Off Culver building: 12.5" Newtonian Reflector in EQ mount. French Dome: 17" Classical Cassegrain on EQ mount. King Building: 14" LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain and a Celestron C 14 both mounted EQ. We also have a 10" Newtonian stored in the shed that members of the club can get out on clear nights and use.

04/24/2026

Due to the weather, our Public Observing session scheduled for Saturday, April 25th has been cancelled. Our next scheduled session will be Sunday, May 31st.

Registration for the Spring astronomy course is now open!
03/15/2026

Registration for the Spring astronomy course is now open!

Consists of 6 classes each Wednesday starting April 1st from 7 to 9 pm. Additional informal observing after for those who wish to stay.

02/17/2026

COMING SOON: 2026 Introductory Observational Astronomy Courses

Our public Introductory Astronomy Course is held twice a year,
at the Naylor Observatory, on six consecutive Wednesdays, beginning the first week of April and September. On clear nights there will be observing with telescopes. Classes are from 7 to 9 pm, with additional informal observing for those who wish to stay. The course is open to anyone 14 years of age and older. A textbook, Peterson’s "Stars & Planets" and star charts are provided.

Cost is $50 per person and advance registration is required. Link to registration will be posted soon!

11/08/2025

Due to the weather forecast for tomorrow night, we will have to cancel our final public observing session for the year. We will begin our next scheduled public observing in March. Thanks for the great year, and hope you enjoy the winter!

06/08/2025

Public Observing for June 8th has been cancelled due to weather. Our next scheduled event is July 6th. See you there!

05/03/2025

Public Observing for May 3rd is CANCELLED due to weather. Our next scheduled session is June 8th at 9pm.

03/16/2025

Due to the weather, we will not be having a Public Observing session tonight. The next one is scheduled for April 13th.

Here is a map in case you want to observe the Moon this Saturday for International Observe the Moon Night.
09/13/2024

Here is a map in case you want to observe the Moon this Saturday for International Observe the Moon Night.

Points of interest on the Moon for International Observe the Moon Night 2024. Find them with your binoculars or telescopes!

09/01/2024

Our Fall Introductory Observational Astronomy Course will be held on six consecutive Wednesdays starting September 4, from 7 to 9 pm, with additional informal observing with telescopes if the sky is clear.
The course is open to those 14 years of age and older and includes
a text and star charts. Please send a $50 check to the "Astronomical
Society of Harrisburg”, c/o Bob Young, 224 Herr St., Harrisburg PA
17102. Email: [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

03/09/2024

The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg will be offering a Spring Public Astronomy Course will be held on six consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm followed by additional observing with telescopes if the sky is clear. All sessions will be held at the Edward L. Naylor Observatory, 670 Observatory Drive, Lewisberry PA 17339. The course is open to those 14 and older.
Cost is $50 which includes a text, the Petersen Field Guide Stars and Planets 4th Ed. by Pasachoff, an Edmund Star and Planet Locater planisphere and ESSO Star Chart.
Preregistration is necessary: send a check to “ASH” c/o Robert Young, 224 Herr St., Harrisburg PA 17102. You can email him at [email protected].

Address

670 Observatory Drive
Lewisberry, PA
17339

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