Sky Observers Hangout

Learn how to observe upcoming cosmic happenings, enhance your astrophotography skills and see celestial objects through a telescope virtually with our astronomy educators.

When you look up at the sky, what do you see? In our free YouTube live series, Sky Observers Hangout, our Director of Public Observing Michelle Nichols and Astronomy Educator Hunter Miller talk about what it means to observe something in the sky—and shows viewers how to do it themselves!

Participants will learn how to use everyday objects to observe the Sun, the Moon and other celestial objects, try their hand at skills such as nighttime sky photography, see whatever is visible in the sky over their neighborhoods, and find out how to use what they’ve learned to view upcoming cosmic happenings. You’ll also be able to interact with our astronomers in the chat and potentially have your observing questions answered live during the show.

Upcoming Episodes

Sky Observers Hangout: Observing Jupiter Live!

As Jupiter approaches opposition, its nearest point to the Earth in its orbit, it grows brighter in the sky, offering stunning telescope views of its cloud bands and moons. Join astronomy educators, Michelle and Hunter, to talk about how to spot Jupiter during these optimal conditions and, weather permitting, observe it right alongside them with live views through the Doane Observatory’s 24 inch telescope. While we gaze at Jupiter, we’ll learn about NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which is currently making its long journey to the Jovian system to better study one of Jupiter’s most interesting moons, Europa. Appearing via prerecorded video for this episode is special guest Dr. Cynthia Phillips, a planetary geologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a staff scientist for the Europa Clipper mission.

Astronomy & Stargazing Resources

Looking to find a telescope that’s right for you? Read Choosing A Telescope for helpful information to guide your search!
Looking to spot the ISS zipping across the sky? Read How To Spot the International Space Station before you look up.
Looking to learn more about what you can see in our night sky? Read Adler Sky Observing 101: What To See for information on eclipses, aurorae, the Moon, upcoming meteor showers, and more.
Looking for stargazing books to read? Read Stargazing Resources: A Few Good Books for a few recommendations.
Looking to use a stargazing app? Adler staff use quite a range of apps, and we each have our individual preferences. Some apps we use include Sky Safari, Stellarium, Starry Night, and Night Sky (available on iOS only).
Looking for places to go stargazing near Chicago? Read Adler Sky Observing: Where To Go as a reference for potential sky observing locations near Chicago, State Parks, the Illinois Dark Sky Park, and more! (Note: the information listed in this blog is subject to change without prior notice, so check with relevant local authorities regarding any required fees, overnight use, availability, etc. Practice safe sky observing at all times. Beware of any ground obstructions or other hazards in any location. Follow all national, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Stay off of private property unless you have the property owner’s expressed permission. The Adler Planetarium assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries or damage sustained during any activities at any of these locations or events.)
Have more questions about astronomy and stargazing? Email askadlerastronomers@adlerplanetarium.org your questions!

Learn From Our Astronomy Educators

Watch exclusive live episodes of Sky Observers Hangout throughout the year by signing up for our monthly events newsletter to stay in the loop or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Catch up on previous episodes by watching our Sky Observers Hangout playlist!