Looking for an engaging and educational field trip for your students to close out the school year? We still have a few dates available in May to welcome school groups to the observatory. All school visits include a tour of the observatory and a hands-on activity led by our expert

The northern lights were on full display in Williams Bay! Yerkes observers captured this spectacular light show late last night on the observatory's roof Every 11 or so years, the Sun's magnetic field flips directions leading to a surge of solar activity. At its peak (which we

Throwback to Springtime at Yerkes Observatory in May, 1931! Captured from the northeast on the iconic oval, this archival photo may be in black and white, but it invites us to imagine the vibrant colors of spring bursting to life. While we treasure this glimpse into the past, we

Embark on a musical odyssey at the 2024 Blackbird Creative Lab! Set against the enchanting backdrops of the historic Great Refractor Dome and the serene Tiny Tempest Farm, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Hosted by the Grammy-winning Eighth Blackbird, immerse

Celebrate World Bee Day at Yerkes Observatory! We wish you a buzzing day as we celebrate the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Did you know? Bees do a “waggle dance” to communicate the location of food sources to their hive mates. See our bees when you head north west out of

Ready for a stellar summer adventure? Yerkes is one of the most “then-and-wow-worthy places” from TravelWisconsin.com. Wander through the halls where groundbreaking discoveries were made from the shores of Geneva Lake. Unleash your inner astronomer and let the wonders of

After an inspiring two-week immersion at Yerkes where they worked alongside the renowned Eighth Blackbird, talented artists from around the world have drawn inspiration to create stunning music. 📅Mark your calendars for June 7 and 9 at 7:30 PMand experience New Works: Blackbird

On May 12, the northern lights put on a breathtaking show in Williams Bay, and JustMe Imagery was there to capture the magic. Enjoy this spectacular photo of Yerkes backlit by the lights, and keep an eye on the sky for more celestial wonders! #NorthernLights #Aurora

We’re so excited to be at the AAS summer meeting in Madison this week! It was especially awesome learning more about one of the world’s largest glass plates that lives at Yerkes! If you see Amanda or Mallory this week, be sure to say hi 👋 #yerkes

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸✨ Tonight, as you enjoy the fireworks, remember to look up and marvel at the wonders of the universe in the night sky. We wish you a safe and starry 4th of July! - #FourthOfJuly #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #HappyFourth #July4th #America #USA #Freedom

Did you know? Our Great Refractor telescope made its grand debut at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. This magnificent instrument was a highlight of the fair, showcasing the wonders of  astronomy to visitors from around the globe. This beautiful watercolor depiction by C.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our open house! Your enthusiasm made the event a stellar success.🚀✨ Special thanks to Dean Regas for his captivating talk and to our amazing team of astronomers and staff. 🌌 We hope you left inspired and curious. Keep looking up!

Ever wondered what mysterious secrets lie behind door 51? Spoiler alert: It's not an intergalactic portal (we checked)! Join our Space & Spaces Tour and get ready to uncover the quirks and curiosities hidden within the observatory's nooks and crannies. From winding staircases to

We were honored to have the legendary NASA astronaut, Dr. Ed Lu, speak at Yerkes on July 26th. Dr. Lu captivated us with stories from his incredible journey on STS-84 Atlantis. He also highlighted his recent work on Near Earth Objects and asteroid impacts, shedding light on the

Can you guess the iconic Lake Geneva landmarks hidden in this stunning mural? 🔍 Hint: Look closely at the ""N"" to spot a familiar celestial gem! Next time you're exploring downtown, make sure to swing by 233 Center Street and check out the "Greetings From Lake Geneva" mural.

It’s hard to believe our 8-week internship has come to a close! During their time here, our interns focused on digitizing the Yerkes glass plate collection, and collecting data with our 24″ telescope, supporting observatory outreach, education, and public programs, and exploring

The peak of the Perseids meteor shower is tonight! If you're in the northern hemisphere and have clear skies, look to the north toward the constellation Perseus between midnight and dawn for a spectacular light show! The Perseids provide some of the highest rates of meteors out

Make the Most of Your Summer at Yerkes Observatory Before summer slips away, plan a visit to one of the top attractions in Lake Geneva as recommended by Midwest Living! See the world’s largest refracting telescope and immerse yourself in the wonders of astronomy. Whether you're

Bring Your Class to Yerkes Observatory for a Stellar Experience! Our school visits are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love of science in students of all ages through hands-on activities like solar observing. Whether your students are budding astronomers or simply

The Fontana Triathlon is today, and we're here to cheer you on! Whether you're speeding by our iconic grounds or taking a quick moment to soak in the historic beauty, we're here to add a dash of history to your race-day adventure! You’ll be mesmerized by our stunning