David Rittenhouse was driven to create the perfect orrery, a master scientific instrument of his time.✨
Now Saturday December 21 @ Ryan Observatory
🔭
Observation opportunity, bring your astronomy gear to observe
🌖
Members and those interested in membership are welcome!
✨ Now Saturday December 21 @ Ryan Observatory 🔭 Observation opportunity, bring your astronomy gear to observe 🌖 Members and those interested in membership are welcome!
Telescope Workshop
Conducted at Ryan Observatory, Muddy Run Park, in Holtwood PA.
Join us with your telescope gear to get a greater understanding of how this tool works. Tools require calibration or adjustments that you can make to enhance your view.
[ Register for Workshop ]
[ What we discuss at Workshop ]
Night Hawking
Conducted at Ryan Observatory, Muddy Run Park, in Holtwood PA.
Night Hike with Ryan Astronomers. Hike is 1.5 hours long and takes us from the Western Extreme of Muddy Run Park to the North Ridge.
Star Survey
Conducted at Ryan Observatory, Muddy Run Park, in Holtwood PA.
Small groups do a visual star study in dome 1. Get up close with the equipment to see a selection of deep sky wonders.
We promote awareness and interest in astronomy and related sciences through
educational, inspirational, and engaging programs.
Rittenhouse Astronomical Society: Rooted in history.
Founded in 1888, the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society is one of the oldest astronomical societies in the United States. Named in honor of America’s pioneer astronomer, David Rittehouse, RAS has held regular events in the greater Philadelphia region for 135 years.
Observe the sky above.
Through the years, we have partnered with wonderful local organizations, including the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Ryan Observatory at Muddy Run Park in Holtwood, and the Betty Huf Planetarium in Warminster. We encourage all those interested in the night sky to join us for our events. We foster creative methods for observing, whether you live in an area with a truly dark sky or in a bright city with a lot of light pollution. Yes, even in downtown Philadelphia or New York City, you can see wonderful astronomical sights with your eyes, a pair of binoculars, or a telescope.
Learn from Professionals and Experts!
For our monthly events, we engage our membership either by LiveSteam (Zoom and You-Tube) or in person. We invite creative professionals to speak to our members, as well as the public. Hybrid events are conducted in person and live-streamed. We have recently hosted live events at Arcadia University, Mallon Planetarium at Methacton School District, Ryan Observatory and Rowan College of South Jersey.
Wether observing in town at Columbus Square, or from the dark skies south of Lancaster, we enjoy gathering at a variety of locations around the Philadelphia area.
Interested in music with space themes? Curious how someone goes from the classroom to working with the International Space Station? Would you like to know what it’s like to build a state-of-the-art telescope in the mountains of Chile? Attend an RAS event!
Join Our Community!
At the end of the day, we’re a group of people who love astronomy. Due to recent changes brought about by Covid, we expanding our community by appearing at locations around the Delaware Valley. Either live or virtually, consider joining in. We have all levels of people interested in astronomy including enthusiasts, amateurs to professionals.
“The direct tendency of Astronomy is to dilate the heart with universal benevolence, and to enlarge its views.”