Hyde Memorial Observatory - Lincoln, Nebraska

Hyde Memorial Observatory is, as far as we know, the only observatory anywhere that is: built, furnished and operated entirely by donations, devoted exclusively to public viewing, completely free of admission charge, staffed only by volunteers. Hyde is open every Saturday evening, year round.

Quick Links

The Solar Panels are Generating Power! Read more...

See how much electricity they create here: Power output

Take a look at other
solar power installations

Hyde Volunteer Info:
Schedule

Your window to the Universe

~ Open every Saturday Night (Current Hours 8 to 11 p.m.) ~
~ Featuring views of the night skies through our 3 Telescopes! ~
~ And Astronomy Presentations every Saturday Night! ~
~ There is NO ADMISSION CHARGE ~

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On May 20th there will be an annular eclipse of the Sun as shown on these charts.

As you can see, for Lincoln it is a partial eclipse and unfortunately for us it occurs when the Sun is only 2 degrees above the horizon.
Therefore Hyde Observatory will NOT open for the eclipse.
NEVER stare directly at the Sun and sunglasses are no protection.
If you would like to watch a webcast of the eclipse from a number of locations, this site will broadcast on Saturday
Slooh Observatory Webcast
Here are some eclipse information sites
NASA site for the eclipse
JPL Facebook page for the eclipse
Hyde Observatory will be open June 5th for the Transit of Venus. Watch this site for details.

Video Programs for May 2012

"Transit of Venus" (23 minutes)

More information on the transit at

http://www.transitofvenus.org/ and http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/

The other video is "Spring Constellations"

(length for constellation programs 20 minutes)

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Want to know what is up in the current evening sky.

Watch this courtesy of Astrocast.tv

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Hyde Observatory Location
Hyde Memorial Observatory is located on the south side of Holmes Lake in Southeast Lincoln Nebraska. From downtown take Normal Boulevard all the way to South 70th Street, then turn south (right) and continue (past the North Shore Road entrance) to the South Shore Road entrance to Holmes Park. This is the same entrance used to get to the golf course. Turn west (right) onto the South Shore Road and continue (past the golf course turnoff) until you see the observatory on your left. (Additional information can be obtained by calling the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Dept. at 441-8708)

Hours
Every* Saturday Year Round

Season Hours
April - September 8 to 11 PM
October - March 7 PM to 10 PM
*Hyde may be closed if Saturday falls on or very near a major holiday. If in doubt call first.

For more information see the directions page.

Current Moon Phase
Best viewed telescopically
when in crescent phase.

Click image for other dates.