Open Observatory Every Wednesday Night
View our calendar for a complete list of events and times.
Sign-up here for group reservations.
Exoplanets: What They Are and How to Find Them
The confirmation of more than 6,000 exoplanets marks a monumental milestone for humanity, ushering in a new era of cosmic exploration. These diverse worlds are reshaping our understanding of the universe, revealing that our galaxy likely hosts trillions of planets—from the truly exotic to those that bear a striking resemblance to Earth.
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM, the Martz-Kohl Observatory will host “Exoplanets: What They Are and How We Find Them,” a public talk presented by Observatory President Tom Traub. The presentation offers a general introduction to these fascinating worlds and highlights the cutting-edge research being conducted at the observatory. The talk is live at the observatory and will also be streamed via Zoom.
“We explore because humans are inherently curious,” says Traub. “While space travel to these worlds is currently impossible, we explore from home to learn how other planetary systems form. This helps us understand just how unique and special our own Earth truly is.”
The talk will feature the observatory’s 2025 collaboration with a global network of researchers to discover Wolf 327b. Traub will explain the transit method used by observatory members—a technique that involves measuring tiny dips in starlight as a planet passes in front of its sun—much like watching a moth flutter across a distant streetlight.
Space STEM Camp 2026
Registration is closed. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and this camp brings those subjects to life through fun, real-world projects. In July, students entering grades 7–9 will dive into hands-on exploration—from programming rovers and launching rockets to building their own telescopes.
Hosted by the Martz-Kohl Observatory, Falconer Central Schools, and Jamestown Community College, this weeklong day camp is students’ chance to explore real-world space careers and connect with fellow explorers from across Western NY and Northwest PA.
Upgrading Our Vision for the Future
Led by President Tom Traub, the Observatory is modernizing its technology to stay at the cutting edge of astronomy. We are currently in the process of “dialing-in” a powerful new Kepler KL4040FI camera and its associated software on the Martz 24″ telescope. This transition involves upgrading our entire imaging pipeline to ensure every component works in perfect harmony, replacing aging hardware with a system designed for the future.
Although we are still fine-tuning the setup, the initial results represent a significant leap forward. The new camera allows us to capture stunning cosmic details with much greater efficiency—often in a fraction of the time required by our previous equipment. By moving to this high-resolution technology, we are ensuring the observatory continues to provide a world-class view of the stars for our community.
As we continue to calibrate the system and refine our processes, we invite you to explore these early “test” images. They offer a glimpse of the incredible clarity and depth we can now achieve as we bring the universe into sharper focus than ever before.
Hover or tap images for details; click or tap again to enlarge.
Constellations and Their Stories
The Martz-Kohl Observatory offers a comprehensive, free Constellation Tutorial and Reference designed for stargazers of all levels to explore the 88 officially recognized constellations. This interactive guide blends science and artistry, featuring high-quality photography, IAU star charts, and a unique “Stars and Sticks” rendering that displays stars sized by magnitude and colored by spectral type. Beyond observational data and “star-hopping” navigation guides, the resource includes a “Greek Sky Stories” section that bridges modern astronomy with the ancient mythological origins of the heavens. You can explore the full guide at https://martzobservatory.org/constellations/
Check Out Our Lecture Series Video Library!
We currently have a video library of over 50 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)
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.
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.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory is managed by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc., a non-profit organization comprised of amateur astronomers. The association is committed to observational astronomy, with a particular emphasis on educational outreach, citizen science initiatives, and the enjoyment derived from stargazing. The observatory is located at 176 Robbin Hill Rd, Frewsburg, NY 14738– not far from Jamestown and Chautauqua Lake.