Open Observatory Every Wednesday Night

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

Visit the Martz-Kohl Observatory Online Store!

click image for store webpage

The Martz-Kohl Observatory has partnered with Falconer Printing to provide merchandise with our logo.  Special edition Solar Eclipse Items are available for a limited time. A portion of all proceeds is donated to the observatory.

Martz-Kohl Observatory in partnership with Falconer Central School (home of the Golden Falcons) is holding a week-long Space STEM Camp for Chautauqua County rising students in grades 7-9 on July 15-19, 2024. Students will have a fun summer experience that is also academic. They will build new friendships and be amazed and inspired! Click here for more information.

The camp is meant to be provided at a very low cost, with only a $50 registration fee. It is primarily funded through local grants and supported by volunteers from the school and observatory. This second annual Space Camp is made possible with contributions of time and money from the Shults Auto Group, Wegmans, educators at Falconer Central School and members of Martz-Kohl Observatory.

Drop-in events – live at the observatory – with Tom Traub
Eclipse Glasses available for a $1/pair donation 🙂

WARNING: NEVER look directly at the sun. Use ISO 12312-2-2015 certified solar glasses or pin-hole projection. NEVER view the sun with a telescope unless you have a special solar filter and have had instruction on its use. (Glasses available at the observatory for $1/each donation)

NASA Eclipse Ambassador and experienced amateur astronomer, Tom Traub, is hosting a series of drop-in events at the Martz-Kohl Observatory. He will provide a historical view of solar eclipses and explain how and why eclipses happen and what you can expect to experience to experience with the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania. Tom will be available for one-on-one Q&A. A video of one of Tom’s talks is also available online at: https://martzobservatory.org/tom-traub-2024/ More info on our Solar Eclipse Page.

View on the big screen at the observatory or via Zoom stream
Click on image for more info

The James Webb Space Telescope is already producing magnificent images of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, star-forming regions, and planets. Scientists are hunting for some of the first objects that formed after the Big Bang, the first black holes (primordial or formed in galaxies), and beginning to observe the growth of galaxies, the formation of stars and planetary systems, and individual exoplanets through coronography and transit spectroscopy. Dr. John Mather, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics, will show how we built the Webb telescope and what we hope to find. Click here for more info and Zoom link.

Check Out Our Lecture Series Video Library!

We currently have a video library of over 40 presentations on a variety of topics, including 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.

Free Astronomy Books for Members

Members: Stop by the tables in the visitor center to pick up free astronomy books that are duplicates or have been culled from the library. Become a member!

Library Telescope Loan Program

Randolf Library training by MMMAA members

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, and the Myers Memorial Library in Frewsburg. A telescope for the Warren Public Library is under construction.

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.