Join our astronomers for an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. Get a chance to view the moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and even distant galaxies through the MMA’s telescopes! Learn more about the constellations, phases of the moon, the planets, and why eclipses happen.

This stargazing program is designed to be engaging and interactive for all ages but with a focus on young adults and students of K-12 grades. This program will take place at the Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatory located at 59 Milk St Extension. In the event of inclement weather, this program will not be held.

This community-centered program provides an opportunity for students, educators, and families of Nantucket Island to visit the Loines Observatory and learn more about the night sky. This program is complimentary courtesy of the Weezie Foundation and other generous sponsors.

Registration is required for this program.

Cancellation Policy

Open nights are weather contingent and are cancelled only if it is raining or there is a threat of a thunderstorm. Please check our website on the day of the event for weather updates; we will post by 4pm if the program is cancelled.

Throughout her life, Maria Mitchell believed in the importance of “learning by doing.” While a professor at Vassar College, this philosophy led to her lasting impact on the women who took her astronomy and mathematics courses, many of whom went on to become astronomers, scientists, and educators themselves.

Today, the MMA continues with this legacy to cultivate a curiosity for the Universe and the natural world. With this spark of curiosity, the MMA hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. It is also this philosophy that inspires the name “Look Up,” aiming to open the Universe to curious minds and allow people to see what before was unseen. As Mitchell once said, "We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing.”

This community program is made possible with thanks to the following sponsors:

Lead Sponsor:

The Weezie Foundation

Supporting Sponsors:

Amy Baldwin and Hugh Davis
Tricia and John Hartner
Will Kinsella
Jill and Tim Vieth

2024 "Look Up" at Loines

Schedule:

DATES
April 4 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

April 11 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

April 18 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

April 25 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

May 2 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

May 9 |  8:00 - 9:00 PM

May 16 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM

Cost: Complimentary