Sunset times get later until the Summer Solstice and remain late for the rest of the summer.  This along with Daylight Savings Time and our proximity to the western edge of the Central Time Zone causes the end of astronomical twilight (complete darkness) to be delayed until after 11:00 PM.  For this reason, I switch to offering views of the sun.  It you can't beat it - join it!

I have specialized solar telescopes to view the sun safely in 2 different ways.  Most people are aware that the sun has sunspots.  These are areas on the sun in which the flow of energy from the sun's interior to it's "surface" has been disrupted by magnetism.  They are not actually black, but they are much cooler than the surrounding areas and appear dark by contrast.  The sun is a ball of gas and its surface (where sunspots are found) is called the Photosphere.  Telescopes equiped with "white light" filters can see the photosphere safely.  These filters filter all the wavelengths (colors) of light uniformly and dim it down to safe levels.  Sunspots, faculae (bright spots), and granulation (domes of upwelling gas about the size of Texas) that give a sandpaper appearance to the photosphere. I have 4 scopes that can be used with white light filters.

Another way to view the sun is by completely filtering all the colors it emits but one - Hydrogen alpha.  Each type of atom emits it's own unique "fingerprint" of light wavelengths.  The most abundant element in the sun (by far) is Hydrogen.  The most prominant wavelength that hydrogen emits is Hydrogen alpha - a unique color of deep crimson red.  There are certain features on the sun in a region above the Photosphere - the Chromosphere - which can only be see through a Hydrogen alpha filter.  These features include prominances and filaments.  The only time prominances can be seen with the naked eye is during a total solar eclipse.  The light coming from them is millions of time dimmer than the rest of the sun - because it's coming from only one kind of light.  If a filter like this sounds complicated and expensive - it is - so take advantage of the chance to see the sun this way!

Viewing the sun doesn't require a dark sky :)  Solar viewing this summer will take place in O'Neill.  Check below for the dates and times for solar viewing.

In case of viewing session cancellation, I put out messages on the observatory email listserv and text lists. If no one reserves for a viewing session, I may opt for another activity at home. Please call or email instead of just showing up.  If you wish to be added to the e-mail and/or text list, e-mail me at mark.urwiller@gmail.com.  If you want to be on the text list I need your phone number and cell provider.  These services are free and free of ads/spam!

Please note these sessions are cancelled if the sky conditions/weather are not good.  What does that mean?  Well, (optical) telescopes can't see through clouds!  It will need to be almost perfectly clear.  The next potential problem is wind.  If the wind velocity is much more than about 10 mi/hr - that's too much!  A telescope magnifies the size of the objects we view - and the effects of the wind!  Lastly, is the issue of mud or snow (winter).  The last stretch of road to the observatory is not maintained. Please check the ClearSkyClock and weather links on the home page of this site!  What if you're in doubt the observing session will take place?  If it's not perfectly clear and calm, you can call (308) 293-5776 before leaving for the session!

The observatory now has a cell phone adapter for scopes and binoculars.  Before you get too excited, please note that cell phones are somewhat limited as to their astronomical capabilities.  You won't be able to photograph the "faint fuzzies" we put in the scope.  However, you will be able to leave with a photo of the moon or a planet :)  This unit features a bluetooth remote shutter so there is no shake to activate the shutter.  Come out and give it a try!

Here's a link for directions to the observatory starting from O'Neill:

Google Maps  or simply put Honey Creek Observatory into Google Maps and it will get you here!

From O'Neill Nebraska take US HWY 281 north to Road 883.  Turn left (west) 2 miles to 490 Avenue.  Turn right (north) 0.6 mile to the red gate. Proceed north of the gate another few hundred feet.  You will see the entrance on the right.  We will have you park along the fence near the entrance.  Be advised there is a barb wire fence around the building location.  If young children are present, they need to be watched.  Please call or e-mail to register so I know how many people to plan for! 

Click here for a Google Maps link!

Scheduled public viewing session and activities for June: 

Please email or call 308-293-5776 to register before 9:00 PM daily so we know how many guests to expect.  Sessions will be cancelled if no one contacts me to express interest.  There is no charge for these events!  Also, please call before leaving town if the weather is questionable.  Those on the text listserv will receive messages keeping you informed.  There is also the issue of whether the observatory road is passable due to mud/snow depending on the time of year.

June 9th -  7:00 PM Solar viewing at 404 N 12th St in O'Neill.  White light and Hydrogen alpha of the sun - See details above

June 23rd -  7:00 PM Solar viewing at 404 N 12th St in O'Neill.  White light and Hydrogen alpha of the sun - See details above

If you want to know about all Tri-City and O'Neill Area astronomical opportunities available free to the public this month, check here!