Branched Oak Observatory

Silent Book Club
2025-09-21 18:30 - 22:00, 2025-10-25 18:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th Street, Raymond, NE, 68428, United States
Open to the General Public – FREE ADMISSION

Join us for another session of our popular Silent Book Club!

Bring your book (or ebook or audiobook w/earbuds) and read quietly for an hour. Or grab a book from our wonderful astronomy library! No pressure, no book assignments, no book report…a stress-free opportunity to read under the evening sky. We will have coffee and water on hand, but feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks. You are also encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and pillow.

After our silent reading time and optional discussion, our staff will take you on a tour of the facility and once dark, observe beautiful objects in the night sky through our various telescopes. Even if the skies are cloudy, you can enjoy our exhibits and astronomy videos in the Multipurpose Center. Dress warm for the outside observing.

7:30 – 8:00 pm – Gather, chat, grab a pastry, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea (we’re ok with BYOB too!)
8:00 – 9:00 pm – Quiet reading of your choice
9:00 – 9:30 pm – Discuss (or not) as the spirit moves you
9:30 – 11:00 pm – Enjoy a tour of the observatory, and weather permitting, view night sky objects with our collection of telescopes

There is no cost for this event. Donations to the observatory are encouraged and appreciated.

Please note, our Silent Book Club events can only offer limited observing opportunities. Join us for our monthly public “Star Party” events for more opportunities through more telescopes.

Confirmed Volunteers: Carol Wells

Hunter Education Class
2025-09-22 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-29 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:30

Lake Wanahoo Outreach - EVENT CANCELLED
2025-09-22 18:00 - 22:00
Notice. This event has been canceled by a the hosting group due to weather. We are working with them regarding rain-dates.
Carol, Matt, and Brian were our BOO volunteers assigned to this event. They have been notified.
This should serve as a cancelation notification to both the general public and other volunteers that were thinking of working, that this event has been canceled.

Raymond James Customer Appreciation Party
2025-09-25 19:00 - 22:00

Yoga Under the Stars
2025-09-26 19:00 - 22:00
Yoga Under the Stars is a collaboration between Indigo Blue Hive (an online social network hub), Yoga Instructor Melissa Baker, and Branched Oak Observatory.

To sign-up, please email Melissa at indigobluehive@gmail.com . Prepaid tickets are $22 per person and includes the yoga under the stars class, snacks and telescope views provided by the staff of Branched Oak Observatory!

Yoga Under the Stars is for the night owl yoga lover who gazes upon the night skies with wonder in their eyes.

Please note this is a private event and you must register and prepay.

If the weather is bad we will reschedule close to the date and you will have the option of reimbursement or to reschedule the spot on another date.

11th Annual Fall StarBQ
2025-09-27 17:00 - 23:00
The 11th Annual Fall Star-B-Q
Sponsored by ALLO Fiber of Lincoln

Branched Oak Observatory is pleased to announce our 11th Annual Fall Star-B-Q on Saturday, Sept. 27th, 2025. 5PM to 11PM.

*No Registration Required*$5 Per Person Admission – Max $20 for Conjugal Family + Grandparents*Arrive Anytime Between 5 and 11PM*Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want*No Park Permit Required*No Telescope Needed – (But are welcome to bring your own equipment!)

The Empire Strikes Back… Again!

By popular demand, the 501st Legion- Central Garrison (a Star Wars anachronism group), will be BACK for this year’s StarBQ. You will see Stormtroopers and other nefarious Star Wars characters roaming the grounds. Luckily for us, however, there will also be costumed representatives from the Rebel Legion and maybe even the Mandalorian Mercs to keep those bad guys in-check! Bring your cameras (and lightsabers) for some amazing photo opportunities. Appearing 5:00 to 7:30pm.

For the kids and young-at-heart, we will have Space-Crafts, Science Demonstrations with the UNL Society of Physics Students , a “touch a meteorite” display, and a special NASA Exhibit* in the Kunkel Family Multipurpose Center. Outside in the field we will have a play area with Blackhole (our version of Cornhole), Bolo Ladder Golf, and our Giant Moon Map. 5:00-8:00PM
In the Boller-Sivil Observatory you will find safe Solar Viewing from 5 to 7pm.

Optional dinner will be available from TBA of Lincoln, TBA and TBA between 5:00-8:00pm.

During Dinner, the Last Minute Band will be playing your favorite Classic Rock. Live music between 5:00-8:00pm

Raffle Tickets will be for sale ($5 ea.) between 5:00 and 8:30pm. The Raffle winners will be announced at 8:30pm. Amazing prizes include a ZWO Seestar S50 Telescope, and tabletop “dob” telescope, astrophotography prints, binoculars, a deluxe oil change and more! [Watch this space for additions].

Once dark, we will be viewing the night sky through our many telescopes, and through the equipment of area amateur astronomers from Lincoln and Omaha clubs. You will have the opportunity to see the Planet Saturn, The Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and so much more!

The Fall StarBQ event is $5 per head, although dinner, additional raffle tickets, and gift shop items, require an optional purchase. *FREE Admission* AFTER 8:30 for the Public Star Party.

This event is made possible thanks to our primary sponsor- ALLO Fiber of Lincoln and all of our other supporting sponsors. We also wish to thank the Prairie Astronomy Club, the Omaha Astronomical Society, our own Branched Oak Observatory volunteers, the UNL Society of Physics Students, and of course the Central Garrison – 501st Legion!
Follow us closely here on Facebook for more announcements.

*The NASA exhibit is NOT part of the StarBQ admission cost, and is in fact a FREE attraction upon request on this day, and also available for viewing during our regular FREE General Public Events.

CURRENT LIST OF VOLUNTEERS / PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR STATIONS

– Food Truck Facil. AND Parking Lead (5-8:30PM) AND Roaming Host (5-11PM)

– Gift Shop Lead (5-11PM)

– Dinner Service (5:00-9:00PM) [See M. Anderson for set-up info]

– Raffle Sales (5:00-8:30PM) AND Evening Observing in BSO (8:30-11PM)

– Event Photography (5-11PM)

– Band Facil. AND BRSC Tours (5:00-8:30PM) AND Roaming Host (8:30-11PM)

Classroom Activities (5:00-8:30PM)

Classroom Activities (5:00-8:30PM)

Admissions (5:00-8:30PM)

Classroom Activities and Trash Duties (5:00-8:30PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Golf Cart Driver (5-9PM)
– Golf Cart Driver 2 (5-9PM. On call after 9PM)

– Gift Shop (5-11PM)

– Last Minute Band (5:00-9:00PM)

Binoculars (8:30-11PM) [Needs to leave at 10PM]

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Last Minute Band (5:00-9:00PM)

– Dinner Service (5:00-9:00PM) [See M. Anderson for set-up info]

– Roaming Host (5:30-8:30PM) AND Evening Observing on Pad (8:30-11PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations(5:00-8:30PM)

– Meteorite Display Docent (5:00-8:30PM) AND MPC Host (8:30-11PM)

– Evening Observing on Pad (8:30-11PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Event Information / Freebie Table (5:00-8:30PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Dinner Service (5:00-9:00PM) [See M. Anderson for set-up info]

– Musical Entertainment (5:00-8:00PM) [See Sivill or Burhman for set-up info]

– Last Minute Band (5:00-9:00PM)

– Costumed Astronaut (5:00-8:30PM)

Raffle Sales (5:00-8:30PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Raffle Sales (5:00-8:30PM)

– Admissions (5:00-8:30PM)

Gift Shop (5:00-11:00PM or whenever you need to leave)

– Admissions(5:00-8:30PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Last Minute Band (5:00-9:00PM)

– SPS Physics Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM)

– Event Information / Freebie Table (5:00-8:30) AND Evening Observing on Pad (8:30-11PM)

– Field Games (5:00-8:30PM)

– Field Games (5:00-8:30PM)

– 501st Legion Facil. AND SPS Facil. AND Solar Viewing in BSO (5:00-8:30PM) AND Evening Observing in ESSMO (8:30-11PM) AND Sky Tours (8:30-11PM)

Band Facil. AND Solar Viewing in BSO (5:00-8:30PM) AND Evening Observing in BSO (8:30-11PM)

– Science Demonstrations (5:00-8:30PM) [See Sibbernsen for set-up info]

– Event Information / Freebie Table (5:00-8:30)

– Shuttle Driver (5:00-9:00PM)

– Classroom Activities Lead (5:00-8:30PM) AND Evening Observing on Pad (8:30-11PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

– Parking (5:00-9:00PM)

501st Legion- Guest Interaction / Photo Opportunities- (5:00-8:30PM) [Jason Ready- Lead. See Sibbernsen for set-up info]

STATIONS THAT NEED TO BE FILLED
Evening Observing (8:30-11PM): We still have a few pads remaining for astronomers to set up their own equipment.
Giant Moon Map Facilitation (5-8:30): One experienced educator / astronomer needed.

WELCA Group visit
2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:30

International Observe the Moon Night
2025-10-04 20:00 - 23:00
🌕 Join Us for a Moonlit Adventure at Branched Oak Observatory!
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night! We’re throwing a Star (or should we say Moon?) Party from 8 to 11 pm, and it’s going to be a blast!
✨ What’s in Store?
Stargazing Galore: Head outside to our observing field or step into our observatory buildings for jaw-dropping views of the Moon, Saturn, and some of the brighter deep space wonders. It’s a celestial showcase you won’t want to miss!
Walk on the Moon (Sort Of!): Our incredible 25-foot “Giant Moon Map” from the Buzz Aldrin Foundation will be laid out for you to explore. Take a stroll across the lunar surface and discover the fascinating history of the Lunar Landings with our knowledgeable Moon-map educator.
Snap a Pic with an Astronaut: Keep an eye out for our costumed Astronaut roaming the grounds, ready for epic photo ops that are truly out of this world!
Moon-Themed Fun Inside: Step into our Kunkel Family Multipurpose Center for an array of Moon-related activities. Enjoy live presentations and hands-on experiences.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just looking for a unique evening under the stars, this event promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Mark your calendars and bring your curiosity—because the Moon is calling, and the night is yours to explore! 🚀

This is a FREE event, but donations are very much appreciated ($5 per visitor is suggested).
No Registration
Open to Everyone
Arrive Anytime Between the Times Given
Stay for the Entire Event or As Long As You Want
No Park Permit Required
No Telescope Needed – You are welcome to bring your own equipment!

Confirmed BOO Volunteers For the Evening:
Volunteers: please check back here (as well as your messages) for event confirmation, cancelation, or postponement announcements.

Outreach Cruise N for a Cause Car and Motorcycle Show
2025-10-05 10:00 - 14:30

American Kennel Club National Tracking Invitational Facility Rental
2025-10-10, 2025-10-11, 2025-10-12
The Cornhusker Kennel Club and Nebraska Kennel are hosting the American Kennel Club National Tracking Invitational at Branched Oak SRA and would like to use the Multipurpose Center at BOO as an HQ/Staging Area.

Limited Public Open Hours - 8PM to 10PM
2025-10-10 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-11 20:00 - 22:00
Because of an extended daytime rental this weekend, we will have only limited open hours Friday and Saturday nights (Oct. 10 & 11). 8-10PM.
Since there will be limited programming during your visit, we are offering FREE Admission Friday and Saturday night. We will not have public hours Sunday, October 12th.

CLOSED TODAY FOR PRIVATE RENTAL
2025-10-12 13:00 - 17:00
Because of an extended daytime rental this weekend, we will NOT have public hours on Sunday, October 12th. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Fall Public Hours - Stargazing
2025-10-17 18:00 - 22:00

Fall Public Stargazing - SPECIAL HOURS
2025-10-18 20:00 - 2025-10-19 01:00
This year, our friends up the street at the Branched Oak Lake and Recreation Area will be holding their annual “Spooktacular” Halloween event THIS Saturday, Oct. 18th. AFTER their spine-tingling event, we hope you will consider dropping by Branched Oak Observatory for an opportunity to observe the wonders of the night sky. Even if you are not participating in the various Spooktacular activities, you are welcome to visit the observatory!

As a special treat, a musician will be joining us at 8PM for the smooth sounds of “Bass & Space.”

We will be open LATE, 8pm until 1:00am for a better opportunity to see an early Orionid meteor or two.

Regular admission is just $5 for kids (FREE if in costume), and $10 for adults.

**The “Branched Oak Spooktacular” is a separate event taking place at the Branched Oak State Recreation Area. You can get more information about their event, and reserve tickets through, their Facebook page at… https://www.facebook.com/events/1413969539809156

Wahoo Space Day at Wahoo High School
2025-10-21 12:00 - 19:30

Open Observing Hours - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT
2025-10-24 18:00 - 22:00
We will be CLOSED this evening for the Wine and Stargazing with James Arthur Vineyards Event.

Wine and Stargazing with James Arthur Vineyards - Paid Registration Required
2025-10-24 20:00 - 22:00
Wine and Stargazing with James Arthur Vineyards
Spend the evening at Branched Oak Observatory stargazing while sipping your favorite JAV wine. Tickets are $35/person (plus gratuity and fees) and include wine, appetizers, observatory admission. Tickets must be purchased IN ADVANCE. Tickets will NOT be sold at the observatory.
Registration Link: TBA

Prairie Astronomy Club meeting
2025-10-28 19:30 - 21:00

Wine and Stargazing with James Arthur Vineyards - Stargazing Raindate
2025-11-01 20:00 - 22:00
Wine and Stargazing with James Arthur Vineyards STARGAZING RAIN-DATE
Since we were clouded out on Oct. 24th for the ticket holders of the Wine and Stargazing Event, you are all invited back to join us on Nov. 1st for a Stargazing Rain Date.
PLEASE feel free to invite your family and friends to this informal event!
See you there.

UNL Astronomy Club
2025-11-07 18:00 - 23:30
The UNL Astronomy Club will be inviting family and friends to Branched Oak Observatory for an evening of fun, food, and astronomy festivities.

Program Lead: Michael Sibbernsen. Other confirmed volunteers:

OLLI Visit #7 - Private Visit - Solar Viewing
2025-11-09 11:00 - 17:00
Event Category – Private Event
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members and other guests will be visiting Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) for an unforgettable astronomical experience. They will meet experienced professional and amateur astronomers, deepen their understanding of astronomy, and see for themselves the deep-space wonders of the DAYTIME sky.

Confirmed Volunteers for the event:
Program Lead: Michael Sibbernsen. Other volunteers: Carol Wells

Evan Rich's UNL Astronomy Class Visit
2025-11-11 19:00 - 21:00
Dr. Evan Rich from UNL will be bringing his students out to BOO for their Tuesday lab.
Confirmed Volunteers for the event:
Event Lead: Michael Sibbernsen. Other volunteers: Carol Wells

Outreach - STEM Night at Kahoa Elementary
2025-11-13 06:15 - 20:00
Branched Oak Observatory will be attending Kahoa Elementary’s STEM Night Thursday, November 13 and as always, provide all sorts of astronomy goodies and amusements for their visitors.

The school is located at 7700 Leighton Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68507. They will have two tables available for us to use.
BOO should arrive at Door 16 between 5:45 – 6:00 pm to begin set-up (we have YMCA in the building running aftercare up until that time).
The event begins at 6:15 pm, so hopefully families will begin arriving around then.
Confirmed volunteers: Matthew Anderson, Carol Wells.
