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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Nebraska Science Festival
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T223000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161752
CREATED:20260331T164729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T164730Z
UID:10002213-1776452400-1776465000@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:Defending the Dark – A Special Film Event at Branched Oak Observatory
DESCRIPTION:The night sky is one of humanity’s oldest shared treasures\, yet for many people today the stars are slowly disappearing behind the glow of artificial light. In recognition of International Dark Sky Week\, Branched Oak Observatory invites you to a special community screening of the powerful 30min documentary Defending the Dark on Friday\, April 17th at 7:00 PM.\n\nDirected by Tara Roberts Zabriskie\, Defending the Dark explores the urgent need to protect our remaining dark skies. While the film highlights the unique night sky of northern Maine\, its message reaches far beyond one region. Light pollution affects all of us\, disrupting wildlife\, harming migrating birds and pollinators\, impacting human health\, wasting energy\, and robbing communities of the awe-inspiring beauty of the stars above.\nThis inspiring and informative film tells the story of people working to preserve some of the darkest skies east of the Rocky Mountains and reminds us that meaningful change can begin in our own backyards. Protecting the night is not just about saving the stars—it’s about protecting nature\, science\, and the well-being of future generations.\n\nFollowing the film\, weather permitting\, the observatory will open for guided stargazing. Visitors will have the opportunity to step outside under the real night sky and explore beautiful deep-space wonders through our variety of telescopes—an unforgettable reminder of why dark skies matter.\n\nGet your free tickets at https://kinema.com/events/Defending-the-Dark-bbd5ng
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/defending-the-dark-a-special-film-event-at-branched-oak-observatory/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/usedark.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250426T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250426T210000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20250214T163616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T164017Z
UID:10001499-1745701200-1745701200@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:Nebraska Science Festival Star Party
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with NE SciFest\, we are pleased to host the Nebraska Science Festival Star Party! This event is for all lovers of space science and astronomy. On Saturday\, April 26th\, Branched Oak Observatory will open its doors and train its telescopes to the skies between the hours of 9PM and Midnight. Explore the wonders of the night sky through a variety of telescopes. See the Beehive Open Cluster\, the Hercules Globular Cluster\, the Cigar Galaxy\, the Crab Nebula and so much more! \nNote: Night sky observing is dependent on local weather conditions. \n\nAdmission: $10 Adults\, $5 for children 5 to 15. Always FREE to local astronomers setting up their own telesocpe and sharing views with the public.\nNo Registration\nOpen to Everyone\nArrive Anytime Between the Times Given\nStay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want\nNo Park Permit Required
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/nebraska-science-festival-star-party/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/star-party.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250406T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250406T170000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20250214T162136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T164132Z
UID:10001498-1743940800-1743958800@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with NE SciFest\, we are pleased to offer “Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory.” While you visit Branched Oak Observatory you also get to do what you were always told what NOT to do… look at the Sun! With our special White Light and Hydrogen Alpha Telescopes\, you will have a chance to see Sunspots\, Solar Prominences\, Granulation\, Filaments\, and so much more on the surface of our closest star… the Sun. \nNote: Solar viewing is dependent on the weather. \n\nAdmission is $5 per person.\nNo Registration\nArrive Anytime Between the Times Given\nStay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want\nNo Park Permit Required
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/nebraska-scifest-sun-day-at-branched-oak-observatory/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NEScifest-Sun-Day-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240427T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240428T000000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20240126T170059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240426T174222Z
UID:10000848-1714251600-1714262400@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:NE SciFest Star Party at Branched Oak Observatory - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Nebraska Science Festival\, we are pleased to host the NE SciFest Star Party! \nThis FREE event is for all lovers of space science and astronomy. On Saturday\, April 27th\, Branched Oak Observatory will open its doors and train its telescopes to the skies between the hours of 9PM and Midnight to explore the wonders of the night sky through a variety of telescopes. See the Beehive Open Cluster\, the Hercules Globular Cluster\, the Cigar Galaxy\, the Crab Nebula and so much more! \nNote: Night sky observing is dependent on local weather conditions. \nVisit theboo.org for more information about Branched Oak Observatory.
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/ne-scifest-star-party-at-branched-oak-observatory/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy,Science (general)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/stars.jpgUSE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240408T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240408T153000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20240126T170707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T170707Z
UID:10000849-1712577600-1712590200@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:The 2024 Great American Eclipse Viewing at Branched Oak Observatory
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Nebraska Science Festival\, we are pleased to offer “The 2024 Great American Eclipse Viewing at Branched Oak Observatory.” \nSome people go an entire lifetime and do not have a chance to see a single Solar Eclipse. Here in the United States\, we have had the opportunity to see THREE spectacular solar eclipses within just a seven-year time period; the Total Solar Eclipse here in Nebraska in 2017\, The Annular Eclipse (“Partial” in NE) in 2023\, and this year another Total Solar Eclipse (“Partial” in NE) on April 8th. \nAlthough you can view the Partial Solar Eclipse anywhere in the state\, we invite the community out to Branched Oak Observatory for a unique chance to see the eclipse “up close” through our amazing safe solar telescopes. Not only will you get to view the Partial Eclipse\, you will see Sunspots\, Solar Prominences\, Granulation\, Filaments\, and so much more on the surface of our closest star. \nNote: Solar viewing is dependent on the weather. Solar glasses will be available for FREE while supplies last. \nVisit theboo.org for more information about Branched Oak Observatory.
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/the-2024-great-american-eclipse-viewing-at-branched-oak-observatory/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy,Science (general)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Eclipse_0004_8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240407T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240407T170000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20240126T165614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T165614Z
UID:10000847-1712491200-1712509200@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:NE SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Nebraska Science Festival\, Branched Oak Observatory is pleased to offer “Nebraska SciFest SUN-Day at Branched Oak Observatory.” \nThe Great American Eclipse of 2024 is almost here and you need to be prepared to safely view this incredible event. On SUN-Day April 7th\, Branched Oak Observatory will be giving out FREE Solar Eclipse Glasses (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST). There will also be Solar Eclipse programming to teach about the “What\,” “Where\,” and “When” of April 8th’s incredible solar eclipse. \nWhile you visit the Observatory you will also get to do what you are always told what NOT to do… look at the Sun! With our special White Light and Hydrogen Alpha Telescopes\, you will have a chance to see Sunspots\, Solar Prominences\, Granulation\, Filaments\, and so much more on the surface of our closest star… the Sun. \nNote: Solar viewing is dependent on the weather. \nVisit theboo.org for more information about Branched Oak Observatory.
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/ne-scifest-sun-day-at-branched-oak-observatory/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy,Science (general)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NEScifest-Sun-Day-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230422T220000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230423T020000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20230206T155106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230206T155106Z
UID:10000614-1682200800-1682215200@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:The Lyrid Meteor Shower Late Night Star Party
DESCRIPTION:The Lyrid Meteor Shower is going to be a GREAT ONE this year thanks to a near-moonless night and a weekend timeframe. \nFor this event\, we will combine our regular star party\, i.e. viewing planets\, galaxies\, nebulae\, and star-clusters with staying up LATE into the early morning hours when the meteor shower’s radiant is high\, and more/brighter shooting stars are likely. \nThe Lyrid Meteor Shower is caused when the Earth passes through the debris leftover by Comet Thatcher. The highpoint of the meteor shower is predicted between the 21st and 23rd of April\, and may yield as many as 10-15 meteors per hour. Although rare\, the Lyrids are known for surges that bring rates of up to 100 meteors per hour! \n• The event will begin Saturday evening at 10PM\, and the sky-park will remain open until 2AM Sunday morning.\n• Bring your own lawn chairs\, blankets\, pillows\, etc.\n• Bring your own cooler\, refreshments and snacks.\n• Feel free to come anytime between 10pm and 2am. Lay back\, relax\, and stay as long as you would like.\n• Our billboard light on at the corner of Raymond Rd. & 98th St. will go out and stay out around 11:30pm. Be sure you know our exact location / coordinates if you are joining us later in the morning hours.\n• Although the meteors will be the big show for the evening\, we will have our telescopes trained on dozens of beautiful objects throughout the evening. \nHOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! \n• No Registration\n• Open to Everyone\n• Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given\n• Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want\n• No Park Permit Required\n• No Telescope Needed – You are welcome to bring your own equipment! \nBranched Oak Observatory is located 20min northwest of Lincoln\, Nebraska\, near but not inside the Branched Oak Lake and Recreation Area. You can find a Google Map to Branched Oak Observatory here.
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/the-lyrid-meteor-shower-late-night-star-party/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lyrid-Meteor-Shower-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220402T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220403T000000
DTSTAMP:20260526T161753
CREATED:20220321T210739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220331T191850Z
UID:10000434-1648933200-1648944000@www.nescifest.com
SUMMARY:"Mini-Messier Marathon" at Branched Oak Observatory
DESCRIPTION:Sure\, you may have seen M42- the beautiful Orion Nebula or M31- the incredible Andromeda Galaxy but what about the ENTIRE catalog of 110 deep-space “Messier Objects”? We are going to give it a try\, and do so ALL in ONE evening. Are we crazy? Well\, we are astronomers\, so you be the judge. Join us on April 2nd for just a few hours or for the entire evening\, and you are guaranteed to see a bevy of beautiful galaxies\, nebulae\, and star clusters through our variety of telescopes. \n  \nThis event\, like all Branched Oak Observatory General Public events\, is FREE of charge and open to anyone interested in the night sky. You are welcome to bring binoculars or telescope\, but there is certainly no need- we will have that covered for you. \n  \nBranched Oak Observatory in located very near\, but NOT inside the Branched Oak Lake and Recreation area 13 miles NW of Lincoln\, Nebraska. \n  \nA Quick Background On the Messier Catalog and Messier Marathons. \nBetween the years of 1760 and 1781\, French astronomer and “comet-hunter\,” Charles Messier (pronounced mess-ē-ā)\, produced a list of 103 “fuzzy objects” in the sky. His catalog was created so he and other comet-hunters could differentiate between permanent celestial objects and the transient phenomena for which they were searching. Messier observed the skies through a 4” telescope from the middle of Paris\, France\, so his list was somewhat limited to only brighter objects and to only certain parts of the celestial sphere. Between 1921 and 1966\, historians found evidence for seven additional objects that Messier (or his assistant) had collected but did not have a chance to append the master list. These objects have since been added to the official catalog bringing the total number to 110. The Messier Catalog is composed of 56 Open and Globular Star Clusters\, 40 galaxies\, 11 Nebulae\, 1 Double Star\, 1 Asterism (a star pattern)\, and 1 “object” that is in fact a particularly dense patch of stars in the Milky Way. Although there are far larger and more complete catalogs available to astronomers\, the Messier Catalog can be thought of as “the best and brightest” deep space objects visible in the northern hemisphere.  \n  \nEach year\, between mid-March and early April\, there is a “window of opportunity” to view nearly all 110 Messier objects in a single evening starting strictly at sunset and ending at sunrise. On April 2nd\, we are going to give it a try… and you are invited!  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.nescifest.com/event/all-night-messier-marathon-at-branched-oak-observatory-2/
LOCATION:Branched Oak Observatory\, 14300 NW 98th St.\, Raymond\, NE\, 68428\, United States
CATEGORIES:Astronomy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nescifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/stars.jpgUSE.jpg
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