An Evening Under the Stars

Join us for a unique evening under the stars! For our May outing we are heading to the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area to join the Northwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA) for one of their public viewing nights. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the night sky through high-powered telescopes and practice some night sky and astrophotography.

When: Friday, May 8th, 2026 

Time: 8:00 PM – 11:50 PM 

Where: Marengo Ridge Conservation Area 2411 Illinois 23; Marengo, IL, 60152 (map) (about 62 miles, 1 hour from the Morton Arboretum)

Weather Permitting: We need clear skies! If it’s cloudy, the event is cancelled. Check your inbox before you leave; I’ll email all registrants if we have to call it off.

What to Expect: The NSA will have telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers on-site to guide us through the constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects visible that evening.

Location Details: Basic directions take 90 towards Rockford. Take exit 36 from i-90 W, drive to IL-23N in Marengo Township. It’s a good idea to park your cars so that when you turn the lights on to drive out you don’t ruin people’s night vision. (That is pointing away from the viewing area.)  

This is a great chance to experiment with long exposures and star trails. If you plan on taking photos, consider bringing:

• A sturdy tripod.
• A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider is ideal).
• A remote shutter release or use your camera’s built-in timer to avoid camera shake.

Important Notes from the Hosts:

• Red Flashlights Only: To preserve everyone’s night vision, please only use red-light flashlights (or cover a standard white flashlight with red cellophane).
• Dress Warmly: Even in April, temperatures can drop significantly once the sun goes down and we are standing relatively still. Layers are highly recommended.

For more details on the location, you can visit the NSA event page: Marengo Ridge Public Observing .

We look forward to seeing you there for a night of celestial photography and discovery!

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