Outreach Page

 

        

 

 

If you arrived at this page via the PVAO site and wish to return to those pages, use the menu next to the PVAO title. 

If you arrived here via the Honey Creek Observatory site and wish to return, use the menu next to that title.

 

The Platte Valley Astronomical Observers and Honey Creek Observatory conducts several public outreach events for schools, libraries, groups, and communities.   We thoroughly enjoy sharing our hobby with the public and wish to continue this program.  Sharing our equipment and the night sky helps educate the public about light pollution, which is becoming more of a problem in Central Nebraska - robbing us of a wonderful natural resource!  We have an opportunity to make our communities and driving conditions more safe while being able to pass on the legacy of dark Nebraska skies to our youth.  For more information on Light Pollution visit the Honey Creek Observatory site.

Neither the PVAO or Honey Creek Observatory wishes to make a profit from our outreach activities.  However, with the price of gas, it can be expensive to drive to various locations for the programs we offer.  If you would consider a stipend to help us break even with fuel, meals, and in some cases lodging expenses associated with requested programs - we would appreciate it!  Some groups have giving us gas cards - those are great!  We will not turn down your request if you can't afford a stipend.  There will be some limits of availability based on the schedules of our members.  If you want an outreach program for your group, feel free to contact any officer of the PVAO with questions!

 

Outreach Activities of the PVAO

and Honey Creek Observatory

 

 The PVAO and Honey Creek Observatory are Taking Reservations for 2026 Outreach Activities. 

Below is a list of activities already scheduled for 2026.  More will be added as request come in.

 The Crane Trust has requested we do an evening program on March 2nd for the total lunar eclipse which will occur the morning of March 3rd.  Exact details for the timing of the evening program are yet to be determined.  Viewing of the eclipse will occur about 5:00 am, with maximum totality about 5:30 am.  Totality will end about 6:00 am when particpates will head to a crane blind.  All of this is weather dependant and only available to those who have arrangements with the Crane Trust.  Contact them with questions.

Merritt Reservoir 4 viewing opportunities/yr are required for compliance with International Dark Sky Park designation by DarkSky International  The PVAO is dedicated to providing those viewing opportunities and works with the Niobrara National Scenic River (NNSR) division of the National Park Service.  These events are free of charge!  For more information click here.

Dates for public viewing at Merritt Reservoir in 2026 are as follows - contact the NNSR for exact times:

April 17th

May 9th

July 17th (Public viewing night at the Nebraska Star Party - information is linked)

October 2nd or 3rd

 

Keller State Park - The PVAO in cooperation with the NNSR and Nebraska Game and Parks will offer a day of various opportunities/activities for the public on August 29th.  The PVAO portion of this event, weather permitting, will include solar viewing in the afternoon and night sky viewing in the evening.

 

The NNSR, PVAO, and the Nature Conservancy will provide free activities on Sept 19th near the Norden Bridge on the Niobrara River.  Directions and exact times for the events can be found by visiting the link for the Nature Conservancy or the link further above for the NNSR.  The PVAO will provide, weather permitting, solar viewing in the afternoon and night sky viewing in the evening.

 

PVAO outreach viewing in Cozad Nebraska, date TBA, at the high school football field.  For more information - Cozad Public Library

 

Other Club Events in 2026

The PVAO will be offering an astronomy class - "How to Enjoy the Night Sky" at Central Community College Grand Island and Lexington Campuses. Check with them for registration information.  Dates/times for the class are:

Grand Island CCC - April 13, 20, 27  6:30-9:30 PM

Lexington CCC - April 14, 21, 28  6:30 - 9:30 PM

 

 

Photos Of Previous Outreach Events

Mark Urwiller - Web Page Administrator
Send comments to: mark.urwiller@tutanota.com

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