Fontenelle Nature Association

Astronomy Nights

Join the fun at the Millard Observatory, the largest public observatory in the Omaha metro area. Led by trained staff and volunteers, these programs are designed to introduce adults and children to the wonders of the night sky. Your evening under the stars will include gathering on the observation deck to see the constellations visible that night and peering through the telescopes to see planets, nebulae and more!

The observatory features a 10” Schmidt-Cassegrain, two 12” Meade LX 200 GPS, and a 14” Celestron. A 13” Coulter and an 8” Meade can be mounted on the observation deck and three 6” telescopes can be placed on outside mounts for your viewing pleasure!

Millard Observatory, Neale Woods Nature Center
14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha
See below for directions

FNA Member Admission: $4 adults / $3 children
Non-member Admission: $6 adults / $4 children
$3 per student with ID
For ages 5 and older
If cloudy conditions prevent sky viewing,
an indoor presentation will be offered.

Star Hopping
Friday, March 12
8:00-9:30 p.m.
It is overwhelming to look up and see all of those dots of light. Is that the Little Dipper? Learn how to use signposts to maneuver your way around the most prominent objects in the sky. Join us for a hoppin' good time.

Super Saturn
Friday, March 19
8:30-10:00 p.m.
Here is your introduction to one of the solar system's gaseous giants, Saturn. The view of this planet through the telescopes is a must see. Take a minute to search for one of this planet's moons, a giant in itself.

Spring Star Stories
Friday, April 9
8:30-10:00 p.m.
Bring your imagination for an evening of the season’s best star stories. You’ll hear about animals and heroes…and a bad guy or two.

Jewels of the Night Sky
Friday, April 16
9:00-10:30 p.m.
Explore a heavenly-made jewelry store. Beautiful spring skies reveal ruby red stars, citron-shaded star clusters and sparkling points of light connecting the season’s constellations.

Astronomy Basics – FNA Members Only!
Friday, May 7
9:00-10:30 pm
FREE for FNA Members
The celestial world around us is filled with incredible sights, but sometimes we
need to step back and explore the basics. Join us for a space odyssey designed for the beginner.

Dark Sky Discoveries – Free for Armed Forces!
Friday, May 14
9:00 - 10:30 pm
Free for military personnel with ID; ½ price admission for family
The absence of moonlight provides a dark canvas for celestial wonders to unveil themselves. We will look deep into the night for galaxies, nebulas and other deep sky wonders.

For questions about our astronomy programs, you may email FNA Naturalist Sara Krug or
call the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center from 8am-5pm daily, 402-731-3140.

Directions to Neale Woods Nature Center: 14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha
* From I-80, take Hwy 75 north to Florence Blvd.
* Turn left onto Florence Blvd, which becomes J. Pershing Drive. Continue north.
* At Mormon Bridge, continue straight through intersection on River Road.
* Continue 2.7 miles from Mormon Bridge to White Deer Lane. You will go past NP Dodge Park and Hummel Park. Hint: Stay to the right at the fork in road.
* Turn left onto White Deer Lane. If you pass Surfside Restaurant, you have gone too far.
* Turn left onto Edith Marie Avenue and continue straight to the parking lot.

Katherine and Fred Buffett Forest Learning Center 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd.

Bellevue, NE 68005 (402) 731-3140 info@fontenelleforest.org