Maria Mitchell Association Open Nights:
A Unique Nantucket Experience
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at the famed Loines Observatory. Guided by our knowledgeable astronomers, you'll explore the wonders of Nantucket's night sky through two remarkable telescopes: our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and our modern 24-inch research telescope. Depending on the evening's celestial highlights, you may observe the Moon, planets, dazzling star clusters, colorful nebulae, distant galaxies, and other fascinating objects visible across the universe.
Along the way, our astronomers will share the stories and science behind what you're seeing, making this an engaging and inspiring experience for stargazers of all ages.
Our stargazing programs take place whenever conditions are safe and are only canceled in cases of inclement weather, such as rain or thunderstorms. Overcast skies alone do not result in cancellation.
On cloudy evenings, our astronomers present an engaging Cloudy Night Program featuring fascinating astronomy topics, current celestial events, the science of the night sky, and opportunities for questions and discussion—ensuring every visit is an inspiring educational experience.
Please check our website on the day of the program for weather-related updates. If cancellation due to inclement weather is necessary, it will be announced by 5:00PM and a pop-up will appear on our website.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, as the program begins promptly. Because much of the experience takes place outdoors, we recommend dressing appropriately for the evening weather and wearing comfortable footwear.
This program is designed to engage stargazers of all ages. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a registered adult guardian. At least one adult must be registered with every group of children.
This program meets at the MMA Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street, Ext., Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is strongly recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Contact email: programs@mariamitchell.org
Open Night Cancellation and Refund Policy: We understand that plans change! Because we are a small non-profit that benefits from the contributions made by our generous patrons and supporters, cancellations make it more challenging for us to manage program enrollment. Tickets are non-refundable, should you choose to cancel. However, tickets are eligible for an exchange before the date and time of the scheduled program subject to a $5 rescheduling service fee, per reservation, and program availability. If you wish to reschedule, please contact us at info@mariamitchell.org
In the event of a complete event or program cancellation by us, ticket holders will not receive a refund but instead issued an MMA Property Pass. You can pick up your MMA Property Pass the following day at our administrative office at 4 Vestal St; which will grant admission to all of our properties. Our administrative office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
All offerings are subject to cancellation by the MMA at any time, with or without notice for reasons deemed necessary by the organization.
By continuing, you are agreeing to this policy.
Open Night: Stargazing at Loines Observatory,
59 Milk Street, Ext.
2026 Stargazing Open Nights!
MMA Members:
20% program discount.
Non-Members:
Adult: $27
Child (2 - 17): $17
May Dates: 22 and 29
June Dates: 12, 15, 17, 22, 24, 26, 29, and 30
July Dates: 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24,, 27, 28, 29, and 31
August Dates: 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, and 31
Times vary please view our calendar for times.
Special Thanksgiving Eve Edition:
November 25
7:00PM and 8:00PM
Pre-registration is recommended.
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."