The Orchard Hill Observatory is UMass's student-run observatory, home to a 16-inch Cassegrain telescope. The Observatory is open to the public once a week when weather conditions are favorable, typically on Thursdays or Fridays. On these nights, the public is invited to look at and learn about nearby galaxies, planets, and other celestial objects of interest. The Observatory is run on a volunteer basis by members of the Five College Astronomy Club. Free.
The 18-inch telescope at Amherst College’s observatory offers visitors the opportunity to view planets, comets, galaxies, and more. Please note that the observatory’s main level is accessible, but the telescope platform is not. Open Saturdays at 9pm from April through October. Free.
Tom Whitney, the educator who runs the Wilder Observatory viewing nights, also offers the following programs as part of his Astronomy Association outreach:
a solar observation program in which viewers can use a specialized, filtered scope to see sunspots, prominences, and more. Saturdays, 1pm-2pm, at Mount Pollux (off of South East Street, Amherst). This program runs April through October on clear days only.
a sunset/early evening program in which viewers can learn about sunset, sky coloration, moon phases, planets, and more. Sundays at sunset at Mount Pollux (off of South East Street, Amherst). This program runs April through October on clear days only.
Holyoke Codes teaches kids how to code through free workshops in which participants engage in hands-on projects like building robots, designing apps, and creating video games. For more information, you can visit the Holyoke Codes website or call Andrew at 413-539-3736.
Tinkergarten offers outdoor, play-based classes and DIY activities for kids ages 2-8.