Open Observatory Every Wednesday Night
View our calendar for a complete list of events and times.
Sign-up here for group reservations.
Comet C/2023 A3, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS is a comet from the Oort cloud discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China on 9 January 2023 and independently found by ATLAS South Africa on 22 February 2023. The comet passed perihelion at a distance of 0.39 AU (58 million km; 36 million mi) on 27 September 2024, when it became visible to the naked eye. Tsuchinshan-Atlas peaked its brightest magnitude shortly after passing the Sun on 9 October.
left: Tom Traub on 17 Oct 2024
right: Corey Swanson on 18 Oct 2024
International Observe the Moon Night
We had a great turnout for International Observe the Moon Night on September 14, 2024! Well over 100 people attended. We had a program that discussed real and apparent Moon size, Native American names and meanings of various months’ full moons, as well as other information about our Moon. People were treated to a great night of observing as well. Multiple telescopes were setup for viewing the Moon and the 24″ scope was used for viewing the Planet Saturn – with its rings tilted almost edge-on.
Check Out Our Lecture Series Video Library!
We currently have a video library of over 40 presentations on a variety of topics, including the James Webb Space Telescope, black holes, cosmic origins, climate change, Mars rovers, astrophotography, telescopes, and even a doctoral defense. Speakers include NASA scientists, university professors in physics and astronomy, amateur astronomers, and observatory members.
Visit the Martz-Kohl Observatory Online Store!
The Martz-Kohl Observatory has partnered with Falconer Printing to provide merchandise with our logo. Purchases can be shipped or picked-up locally. Some non-apparel items are for sale at the observatory. A portion of all proceeds is donated to the observatory.
Aurora of May 10, 2024
The sun has a 22-year cycle where approximately every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field flips and its activity waxes and wanes. We are currently in the rising phase, approaching the peak of activity which is expected in July 2025. Sunspot regions have intense magnetic fields that can contort, suddenly snap, and release tremendous energy. This energy manifests as a solar flare, blasting out intense radiation and charged particles. Often accompanying a solar flare, a Coronal Mass Ejection of solar material, including plasma and energetic particles is launched into space. When a CME interacts with our planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, it can cause a geomagnetic storm which can be manifested in an Aurora, usually near the north or south poles.
Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024
Library Telescope Loan Program
The Martz-Kohl Observatory participates in the Library Telescope Program which places telescopes in local public libraries, allowing general access to portable telescopes that can be put into circulation just like a book. The goals of the program are to help foster scientific literacy, to stimulate interest in astronomy, enable people who have never looked through a telescope the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery, and to provide a valuable asset for libraries.
Telescopes and accessories include an Orion Starblast 4.5″ telescope with zoom eyepiece, red flashlight, planisphere (night sky map), observers guide, moon map, and manuals. The telescopes are easy to use, robust, and are modified to make them more durable and patron friendly. MMMAA members have provided hands-on training for library staff to ensure they are comfortable with the telescope and are able to answer basic patron questions. Reminder: NEVER look at the sun with a telescope unless you have a special solar filter and have had instruction on its use.
Currently, telescopes are available at Kennedy Free Library, Falconer Public Library, Randolph Library, Myers Memorial Library in Frewsburg, and the Warren Public Library.
Visitors Welcome!
The Martz-Kohl Observatory is happy to host groups, large or small! Scouts, school classes, civic organizations, clubs, and groups of family and friends are invited to experience the wonders of the night sky. Our mission is to inform, educate and inspire the general public and support teaching in the sciences of astronomy and physics. Groups can use our contact form to obtain more information. Use our event calendar to learn about lectures by educators, scientists, astronomy & space professionals, as well as observatory members — which are open to the public.
View more images in our galleries.
Check out the astronomy photo of the day.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory is run by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc. a not-for-profit voluntary group of people interested in astronomy. The observatory is located in Frewsburg, New York in Chautauqua County, not far from Jamestown and Chautauqua Lake.