What's up when ... and how to find us
From December through March the weather in southern Ontario is very unpredictable and generally cloudy. As a result, we don't have a fixed schedule for the winter months. We will open for you and your group, on nights when the sky is clear. Just call during the day and let us know the number of people we should prepare for. Please be aware that the winter POD observatory can only hold about 4 people at any one time. During the winter we can begin observing as early as 7 p.m. Please call us on the day you wish to visit.
The rest of the year, BHO is open at specific times to showcase interesting sky objects and take you through a tour of the night sky. Reservations are required so call us at 705.657.2544. The main observatory can hold 8 to 10 people at a time. The show runs an hour and includes a tour from the Kidner SkyDeck, observing through BHO's binoculars and telescopes.
Parking is at the end of the driveway in the main season, and red flashlights are provided to protect your night vision on your way to the main observatory. It's not a long walk, but it's in the country, so be prepared for the weather and seasonal bugs.
Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. We look forward to seeing you in 2009.
2009 Schedule
DATE |
SUBJECT |
TIMES |
| January/February/March | Open by special arrangement only | 8 p.m. |
| April 3 to 5 | Saturn and Moon Tour | 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.. |
| April 18 to 30 | Galaxies of Leo & Saturn Sans Rings | 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. |
| May 1 to 3 | Saturn and Moon Tour | 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. |
| May 16 to 31 | Spring Constellations & Galaxies | 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. |
| June 1 to 3 | Saturn & Moon Tour | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| June 17 to 27 | The Scorpion and the Snakeman | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| June 28 to 30 | Saturn & Moon Tour | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| July 16 to 26 | Riding the Milky Way | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| July 27 to 31 | Moon Tour | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| August 11 and 12 | Perseid Meteor Shower | Starts at 10 p.m. August 11 | August 15 to 25 | Dead Stars & Star Balls | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| August 28 to 31 | Jupiter & Moon Tour | 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. |
| September 13 to 23 | Clash of the Titans | 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. |
| September 24 to 27 | Jupiter & Moon Tour | 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. |
| October 13 to 23 | Autumn Constellations & Galaxies | 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. |
| November/December | Open by special arrangement only | 8 p.m. |
All times are EST. Clear skies are essential. You can check out our sky conditions here or from the home page!
How to find us ...
Buckhorn Observatory is at 2254 County Road 507. There is a sign at the end of our driveway. To help you find us, a red light on the top of the sign is lit on the nights we are open.
We are 6.1 km north of Flynn's Corners which is on County Road 36 between Buckhorn and Bobcaygeon. Flynn's Corners is 7 km from the stoplight in Buckhorn.
BHO's GPS coordinates are: W78° 21' 57.8" N 44° 39' 53.2"
From Peterborough, take Water Street north to County Road 23 (road sign says Buckhorn Tourist Area). Go north on County Road 23 through the traffic lights in Buckhorn (about 20 minutes). Stay on that road (which is now County Road 36) until you reach County Road 507 (approximately 5 minutes north of Buckhorn). A radio tower marks the intersection of County Road 36 and County Road 507 -- this is Flynn's Corners (also Ultramar Gas Station). Turn right onto County Road 507.