Martz-Kohl Observatory

Constellations and Their Stories

The Martz-Kohl Observatory is pleased to offer a comprehensive Constellation Tutorial and Reference, designed as an interactive guide to all 88 officially recognized constellations. Whether you’re a novice stargazer embarking on your first celestial exploration or an experienced enthusiast seeking to enhance your knowledge, this resource is intended to meet you where you are. The guide is provided as a free service, making it a straightforward tool for anyone curious about the night sky.

Each constellation’s detail page serves as a deep dive into both the science and the artistry of the heavens. You can explore high-quality NOIRLab photography, official IAU star charts, and Stellarium sky views, all supported by practical meteor shower associations and difficulty ratings. A dedicated star-hopping guide teaches you to navigate the night sky the way experienced observers do — moving from one constellation to the next using bright signpost stars as stepping stones, until the whole sky becomes familiar. One notable feature is the “Stars and Sticks” rendering, which uses real positional data to display constellation figures with stars accurately sized by magnitude and colored according to their spectral type.

To provide a complete picture of our celestial heritage, the guide also includes a dedicated Greek Sky Stories section. This area traces the ancient origins of the patterns we still use today, ranging from the dramatic mythological figures frozen overhead to the landmark 2nd-century catalogue established by Ptolemy. By bridging modern observational data with historical context, the reference offers a well-rounded perspective for every observer. 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)

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.