What's Happening in Burnsville, MN…

Eyes will be on the skies over Burnsville next month as the public is invited to Community Viewing Nights at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory.

Located within the Maryland Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville, the observatory features one of the biggest public telescopes in southeastern America.

On two consecutive nights, January Moon Madness will see astronomers guide the public in the use of a large Newtonian telescope and a smaller Meade planetary telescope. The two-hour hands-on outdoor session includes observing and learning more about the cosmos.

Depending on the moon phase, participants may be able to view stars, planets and the moon. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly for the mountain temperature and bring along a flashlight.

In the event that the weather is not favourable for viewing, an alternate astronomy program will be held inside at the Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium. Registrants will be advised of the change 24 to 36 hours in advance and can choose if they wish to attend the revised program.

Tickets are $35 each and $10 for those age 12 and under. Group rates are also available. Facilities that offer public programs such as this often use poster printing to draw attention to their events.

January Moon Madness public viewing will be held January 23 and 24, 2026 beginning at 6:15 pm at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory in Burnsville.