Highland Road Park Observatory

The Daylight Detour
2025-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Highland Road Park Observatory
NOAA has issued a Heat Advisory until 7pm.
Whether it’s taking advantage of a prorated BRAS membership; getting the status of all current NASA, LSU and HRPO plans; obtaining the latest information on asteroid Apophis; learning HRPO history or taking stock of which celestial events are on their way–this “alternate route” (planned due to Daylight Time) is on your stop! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 24%, sky cover 35%, relative humidity 70%, temperature 31C, heat index 38C, wind SW 5 km/h

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Wonders of the Summer Sky"
2025-06-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The temperature rises as summer’s constellations settle high overhead early in the night. BREC Education Program Specialist Amy Northrop takes the audience on a fascinating tour of Baton Rouge’s upcoming season. She highlights the celestial gems that will sparkle throughout the next three months–-gems that visitors will be able to view live! [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

STEM Expansion: "Engineering II"
2025-06-21 14:30 - 18:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
This program offers advanced topics, activity extensions and all-new games and demonstrations to older youth. Certificates are earned and archived as well as modern experiments take place. There are also giveaways and door prizes. [For ages twelve to sixteen. $15 per EBR parish registrant; $18 per other-parish registrant. Register via WebTrac; use activity number 131322. Registration in Part I is not a prerequisite. Deadline for online registration is 6pm the day (Friday) before.]

American Radio Relay League Field Day
2025-06-28 14:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The ARRL Field Day program is not affected by rain.
One section of the electromagnetic spectrum gets all the love, as tens of thousands of “hams” ascend to the radio waves with “phone” (voice) and CW (Morse) in this exciting contest that stretches from coast to coast! Get on the GOTA station and make your own contact! Ham radio is awesome for parents and kids alike. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast for 2pm to 6pm (Bad): precipitation potential 51%, sky cover 42%, relative humidity 68%, temperature 32C, heat index 38C, wind SE 9 km/h
NOAA Forecast for 6pm to 10pm (Fair): precipitation potential 18%, sky cover 44%, relative humidity 80%, temperature 28C, heat index 33C, wind S 7 km/h

The Edge of Night
2025-07-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Burbank Soccer Complex, 12400 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Personnel will attempt viewing at the Burbank Soccer Complex for at least forty-five minutes.
It’s not light. It’s not dark. It’s that special time called twilight and HRPO wants to introduce you to it! Are all sections of the sky the same shade of blue? Which stars are seen first? Are Mercury and Venus or the Moon out? Is that moving object a plane, a weather balloon, a satellite or debris in outer space? How much actual darkness should be expected in cities of a certain population? There is no other time like twilight. Bring it into your life! [For ages six and older. No admission fee. A change of venue occurred for this event since an elongation of Mercury will take place simultaneously!]
NOAA Forecast (Fair): precipitation potential 7%, sky cover 65%, relative humidity 66%, temperature 32C, heat index 37C, wind NW 3 km/h

Science Academy: "Meteor Showers"
2025-07-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Only in natural or near-natural skies can one see the dimmest streaks of a shower. Cadets will learn how showers originate and how to perpetuate for years the awesome scenic beauty of a shower event. [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 231320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-05 20:30 - 23:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 8:10pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 37° in Libra. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Very Good): precipitation potential 2%, sky cover 12%, relative humidity 74%, temperature 29C, heat index 32C, wind S 1 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:47pm CDT.

Friday Night Lecture Series: "The Place Called Outer Space"
2025-07-11 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Only one hour away if you could drive straight up–the intrigue of space began thousands of years ago, reached a golden age in the century span prior to this year and could have a platinum age depending on what choices we make on these coming nights…. [Postponed from 30 May. For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-11 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 8:08pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 8° in Capricornus. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 4%, sky cover 29%, relative humidity 85%, temperature 27C, heat index 31C, wind S 3 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:44pm CDT.

Science Academy: "Solar Maximum III"
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Between July and December the last great span of Solar Cycle 25 will present itself–awesome sunspot clusters, plage strewn across the Sun’s surface, intense flares, massive prominences and nailbiting geomagnetic storm alerts are all possible and quite likely. Cadets will receive information and materials to help them remember Solar Cycle 25 forever! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet. Registration in either Part I or Part II is not a prerequisite.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 231320.

Plus Night: "Demonstration Overload"
2025-07-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Due to the heat index there will be no fire.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. There will also be physical science demonstrations, a marshmallow roast, a sky tour and a game for kids to earn small prizes. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 1° in Capricornus. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 4%, sky cover 34%, relative humidity 79%, temperature 29C, heat index 34C, wind S 3 km/h
Sunset: 8:08pm CDT. Twilight Ends: 9:44pm CDT.

Baton Rouge Astronomical Society Meeting
2025-07-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
For over four decades the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society has educated countless numbers of citizens in the joys of planetary and deep-sky gazing, and factors to consider when buying a pair of binoculars or a telescope. Over the years BRAS members have constructed their own telescopes and photographic platforms; imaged comets; earned observing certificates; and discovered asteroids. Anyone interested in learning more about BRAS is invited to attend. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Solar Viewing
2025-07-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in four different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light, directly in hydrogen-alpha wavelength and directly in calcium-K wavelength) will take place. During this time the Sun will be in the constellation Gemini at a maximum altitude of 81°. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended.
This special session of solar viewing is programmed due to the predicted increase in solar activity due to Solar Cycle 25. [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Our Birth Stars"
2025-07-18 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
For years HRPO has been promoting the concept of birth stars! This presentation also will include the Star in Focus List that premieres this month! [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-18 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be in operation tonight.
Sunset, 8:06pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning crescent Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Poor): precipitation potential 4%, sky cover 71%, relative humidity 89%, temperature 27C, heat index 30C, wind S 3 km/h
Twilight, 9:40pm CDT.

Science Academy: "Asteroids and Comets"
2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Planets get the majority of the attention, but the smaller bodies can create a lifelong memory with a close pass (asteroid) or a bright showing (comet). Cadets will learn what asteroids and comets are, where they are and how to find them! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 231320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN/BAD WEATHER

Sunset, 8:05pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning crescent Moon will be below the horizon. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 3%, sky cover 39%, relative humidity 84%, temperature 28C, heat index 34C, wind S 3 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:40pm CDT.

Friday Night Lecture Series: "The Discovery of Pluto"
2025-07-25 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Discovered by an American and considered an official planet from 1930 to 2006, Pluto holds a special place in space lore even for those who have never seen it in a scope. Its history and our investigations of it will be covered in this presentation. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-25 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be in operation. HRPO will close at least by 9:45pm.
Sunset, 8:02pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 5° in Leo. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Poor): precipitation potential 15%, sky cover 61%, relative humidity 88%, temperature 27C, heat index 32C, wind SE 10 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:35pm CDT.

Solar Viewing
2025-07-26 11:30 - 14:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Cancelled. HRPO will close at 12:15pm or if it rains.
Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun’s image in four different manners (indirectly onto a white surface, directly with safely-filtered optical light, directly in hydrogen-alpha wavelength and directly in calcium-K wavelength) will take place. During this time the Sun will be in the constellation Cancer at a maximum altitude of 79°. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended.
[For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Bad): precipitation potential 58%, sky cover 59%, relative humidity 85%, temperature 29C, heat index 37C, wind S 11 km/h

STEM Expansion: "Astronomy for Personalized Advancement"
2025-07-26 14:30 - 18:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
This program offers advanced topics, activity extensions and all-new games and demonstrations to older youth. Certificates are earned and archived as well as modern experiments take place. There are also giveaways and door prizes. [For ages twelve to sixteen. $15 per EBR parish registrant; $18 per other-parish registrant. Register via WebTrac; use activity number 231321. Deadline for online registration is 6pm the day (Friday) before.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-07-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 8:02pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing crescent Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 25° in Leo. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
Twilight Ends, 9:34pm CDT.

A Galaxy of Games
2025-08-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Postponed until September. HRPO will close at least by 8pm.
This one-time-only open house will showcase those non-electronic tabletop challenges that incorporate an astronomy or STEM theme! [For ages twelve and older. Drinks.]
NOAA Forecast (Bad): precipitation potential 36%, sky cover 57%, relative humidity 85%, temperature 29C, heat index 36C, wind W 3 km/h

Science Academy: "Dwarf Planets"
2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
This relatively new category is fraught with frustration and awe. Cadets will explore the lesser-known objects in the far reaches of our Galaxy! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 231320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-08-02 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The 20OGS will not be in operation. HRPO will close by at least 9:30pm.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waxing gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 35° in Libra. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Poor): precipitation potential 20%, sky cover 62%, relative humidity 93%, temperature 27C, heat index 29C, wind N 4 km/h
Sunset, 7:57pm CDT. Twilight Ends, 9:27pm CDT.

Friday Night Lecture Series: "Sirius and Canopus"
2025-08-08 19:30 - 20:30 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The two brightest stars in the night sky cannot both be seen if your location is too far north on the North American continent. Baton Rougeans know them as a guiding pair–the gatekeepers between the winter and spring skies. [For ages fourteen and older. No admission fee.]

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-08-08 20:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 7:52pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the Full Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 23° in Capricornus. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 3%, sky cover 32%, relative humidity 82%, temperature 27C, heat index 31C, wind SE 3 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:21pm CDT.

Science Academy: "ISS Expedition 11"
2025-08-09 10:00 - 2025-08-17 12:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
The International Space Station is one of the greatest engineering feats in human history. From April 2005 to October 2005, Sergei Krikalev and John Phillips conducted experiments and did what few have done-–lived off the Earth. Cadets will build on the circuit board and sample the astronauts’ menu! [For ages eight to twelve. $5 per EBR-Parish Cadet; $6 per other-Parish Cadet.]
To register, go to www.brec.org, access the registration function and use Activity Number 231320.

Evening Sky Viewing
2025-08-09 19:30 - 22:00 | Highland Road Park Observatory
Sunset, 7:51pm CDT.
Weather permitting, viewing through one or more telescopes will take place. During this time the waning gibbous Moon will be at a maximum altitude of 18° in Aquarius. Please keep headlights off while parking and leaving. Drive slowly! [For ages six and older. No admission fee.]
NOAA Forecast (Good): precipitation potential 3%, sky cover 32%, relative humidity 77%, temperature 28C, heat index 31C, wind SE 5 km/h
Twilight Ends, 9:19pm CDT.
