Open Observatory Every Wednesday Night
Check out our calendar for a complete list of events and times.
Sign-up here for group reservations.
Upcoming in the Observatory Lecture Series
International Observe the Moon Night is a time to come together with curious people interested in the Moon and space. Everyone is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon. This worldwide event is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors.
Learn About the Total Solar Eclipse
on April 8, 2024
Inaugural Space STEM Camp Held
Martz-Kohl Observatory in partnership with Falconer Central School (home of the golden falcons) recently held a week-long Space STEM Camp for Chautauqua County students in grades 6-9.
Students had many hands-on experiences and had the opportunity to hear from various Space and Astronomy experts. They even learned a bit about U.S. space policy from the assistant secretary of defense for space policy. Activities included building and launching model rockets and assembling telescopes patterned after Galileo’s. Students had the opportunity to view various celestial objects through the observatory’s telescopes. Eclipses, including the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 were also studied. A fun and educational experience was had by all involved.
This inaugural Space Camp was made possible with contributions of time and money from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Shults Auto Group, Wegmans, educators at Falconer Central School and members of Martz-Kohl Observatory. A special thanks goes to the camp’s director, whose vision and drive made it possible, Falconer Central School’s Mary Plumb.
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.
