Martz-Kohl Observatory

1 week ago

Congratulations to the Frewsburg Lions Club for 75 years of service! The Martz-Kohl Observatory is very proud to be located in the hamlet of Frewsburg, in the Town of Carroll, New York and greatly appreciates support from the town, its businesses and other organizations. One of the Lions Club's strategic objectives is to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. The observatory is operated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. One emphasis of our association is observational astronomy, well-rooted in public education and enjoyment of the starry skies.

We celebrate and are humbled by the inclusion of an image of our facility’s telescope domes on the 75th anniversary commemorative medal of the Frewsburg Lions Club. Thanks to the club and we hope to join you in many more years of service! ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

2 weeks ago

A simple road map to constellations and bright stars using the Big Dipper as a navigation aid. Shared from the Library Telescope project that the Martz-Kohl Observatory will soon join. ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

1 month ago

Last night was not a good night to view the stars but when the cloudy sky turns green, yellow, blue and purple, you know SOMETHING is going on! An aurora, also known as the Northern Lights, is occasionally seen in our area. Auroras show up as dynamic patterns of bright lights that can appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers that can cover the entire sky. Auroras are named after Aurora, the ancient Roman goddess of the dawn.

So, what causes an aurora? In the ionosphere (100-500 miles above the Earth), the ions of the solar wind collide with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen from the Earth's atmosphere. The energy released during these collisions can cause a band of colors or halo to form around the North or South Pole.

Image by member and prolific astrophotographer, Dave Wilkins 👍 🔭 ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

2 months ago

The Lyrids are coming! The Lyrid Meteor Shower is expected to peak around April 21-23. Since the Moon sets early, it will not obscure the night sky and you can expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour. The Lyrids can be a bit unpredictable and have, in the past, had surges of up to 100 per hour. Best viewing is after midnight when the constellation, Hercules, is high in the sky - about half way to the zenith at about 45 degrees up from the eastern horizon at 1:00am. Look for the bright star, Vega, which is close to the Lyrids' radiant. The radiant is the point in the sky from which the paths of meteors appear to originate. Meteors can, however, show up all over the sky.

Dedicate some time if you want to really experience this meteor shower. You won't see much in 5-10 minutes! Dress warmly (in layers). Lay down on a blanket with pillows to support your head and neck or use a lawn chair. Best viewing is with the naked eye as you can see a wide swath of the sky. Your neck can get very sore tilting up for long periods of time. Use support!

Want to learn more about meteoroids, meteors and meteorites- oh my? We have a video for that! Check out this very entertaining video presentation by Dr. Alexandra Yep on the Martz-Kohl Observatory website: martzobservatory.org/dr-alexandra-yep-2022/ ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

2 months ago

Currently planned for November 2024. Mission is to fly around the Moon but not to land.Fly ‘em to the Moon!

NASA has named the crew of the #Artemis II mission. These explorers represent the best of humanity, daring to forge new frontiers in space on behalf of humanity.

Reid Wiseman, Commander
Victor Glover, Pilot
Christina Hammock Koch, Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

Artemis II will fly the crew of four to the Moon and back to Earth!

Together, we are going! ... See MoreSee Less