Martz-Kohl Observatory

Lecture Series Continues July 16, 2025

Stars come in all shapes and sizes: Big powerful blue stars, small yet feisty red stars, strange pulsating yellow stars, and more. How do we know so much about stars? How did we go from seeing tiny points of light in the sky to knowing about red giants and supernovae? In this talk, intended for a general audience, Dr. Alexandra Yep, a poet turned astronomer, will help us learn all about stars and the tools astronomers use to understand them. Click here for more info and Zoom link.

Special Talk in August for the Entire Family

Ja:no’s (Janine) Bowen, a member of the Beaver Clan of the Seneca Nation and an expert in Seneca language and culture revitalization, will present on the revered Seneca figure of benevolent Grandmother Moon on August 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Bowen holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University and an M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This special, family-friendly presentation offers a unique opportunity to learn about the myths and realities surrounding Grandmother Moon.

Open Observatory Every Wednesday Night

View our calendar for a complete list of events and times.
Sign-up here for group reservations.

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.

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.

Local libraries currently participating in the telescope loan program, or will be soon, are:

• Anderson-Lee Library (Silver Creek, NY))
• Ashville Free Library (Ashville, NY)
• Bemus Point Public Library (Bemus Point, NY)
• Cassadaga Library (Cassadaga, NY)
• Falconer Public Library (Falconer, NY)
• Hazeltine Public Library (Jamestown, NY)
• Kennedy Free Library (Kennedy, NY)
• Mary E. Seymour Memorial Free Library (Stockton, NY)
• Myers Memorial Library (Frewsburg, NY)
• Randolph Free Library (Randolph, NY)
• Sinclairville Free Library (Slinclairville, NY)
• Warren Public Library (Warren, PA)

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.