The Martz-Kohl Observatory is committed to free, accessible astronomy education for everyone — from curious beginners to experienced stargazers. Whether you want to watch a lecture from a NASA scientist, borrow a telescope from your local library, or learn to navigate the night sky on your own, we have something for you.
🌟 New to astronomy? Start with our Constellation Guide — a free, visual introduction to the night sky. Looking for a different starting point? Check out Beginner Guides on our Favorite Resources page. 🌟
🎬 Observatory Lecture Series
Our free lecture series brings world-class astronomers, NASA scientists, university researchers, and science communicators to Frewsburg — and to your screen. With more than 50 recorded presentations covering topics from gravitational waves and exoplanets to auroras and galaxy evolution, there is something here for every level of curiosity.
Lectures are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM EDT. Many are presented live at the observatory and also streamed via Zoom; when a speaker presents remotely, the talk is displayed on our big screen so the in-person audience enjoys the full experience and can join in Q&A. All past lectures are free to watch anytime in our online video library.
🔭 Library Telescope Loan Program
You do not need to own a telescope to explore the night sky. Through our Library Telescope Loan Program, portable telescopes are available to borrow — just like a book — at participating public libraries across Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Each telescope kit includes everything needed to get started: a quality 4.5″ reflector telescope, zoom eyepiece, red flashlight, planisphere, moon map, and observer’s guide. Library staff receive hands-on training from our members so they can help you get started.
Participating libraries include locations in:
- 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 (Sinclairville, NY)
- Warren Public Library (Warren, PA)
⭐ Constellation Guide
Developed by MKO member Andy Felong, our free Constellation Guide covers all 88 officially recognized constellations. Each entry blends history, mythology, and science with high-quality photography, official star charts, and a unique “Stars and Sticks” rendering that displays stars sized by brightness and colored by spectral type. Star-hopping navigation guides help you find your way around the sky, and a “Greek Sky Stories” section connects modern astronomy with its ancient mythological roots.
🌌 Deep-Sky Objects Guide
Once you know your way around the constellations, the Deep-Sky Objects Guide is your natural next step. This companion resource — also developed by Andy Felong — covers 219 galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Each object is documented with ground-based imagery, finder charts, scientific data, and observing notes for both visual observers and astrophotographers.
Support Free Astronomy Education
All of our educational resources are completely free and made possible by the volunteer members of the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you find value in what we offer, please consider making a donation to help us continue this work.