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GRAAA Meeting | January

thu19jan7:00 pm9:30 pmGRAAA Meeting | JanuaryHighlights of the Winter Sky and Big Astronomy

Event Details

GRAAA Meeting | January

7 p.m. in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.

This GRAAA meeting will feature a special presentation: “Highlights of the Winter Sky and Big Astronomy,” presented by GRPM Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske.

First, the planetarium crew will introduce highlights of the current winter sky, including prominent stars, constellations, and deep-sky objects. After, there will be a quick survey of sky features visible only from the southern hemisphere. Finally, the “Big Astronomy” full dome experience visits Chilean-based observatories where giant telescopes today, probe deep into the universe.

VENUE INFORMATION

Free parking in the Museum’s parking ramp for Kent County residents. The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is located on the second floor of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, accessed via stairs or an elevator.

This event will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

GRAAA Meeting | January is free with registration.

Registration opens soon.


ABOUT THE GRAAA

The Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association is a club of more than 100 astronomy enthusiasts of varied ages, backgrounds, and interests. GRAAA hosts regular meetings which feature informative guest speakers and social events.

The Museum Parking Ramp is Open!

During September and October 2025, parts of Front Street will be under construction by Consumers Energy. All access to the Museum Parking Ramp must come from Mt. Vernon Ave NW.

Parking directions. From Pearl Street, turn left onto Mt. Vernon avenue and then left again onto Front Street to find the Parking Ramp.

The GRPM is NOW OPEN

⚡ Electricity is back in the building! ⚡
 

The GRPM is open for guests today, July 28. While the Museum is open, the cafe will be closed.

We hope to see you here. Stay cool in the heat today, Grand Rapids!

An exhibit with the label ELECTRICITY in pink lights

Museum Parking Ramp Closed Saturday, July 26

The Museum Parking Ramp will be unavailable for use this Saturday due to the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival taking place on Front Avenue. They will be painting 21 new beautiful murals to brighten up Downtown Grand Rapids.

Alternative FREE parking will still be available in the GVSU Mt. Vernon lot at 50 Front Ave SW. See the map below for directions on how to access the Mt. Vernon lot.

U.S. Service Members and Families Free This Weekend!

This weekend, the GRPM extends free admission to all U.S. service membersactive or retired—and their families.
 
See our new Veterans display, in partnership with the Michigan Heroes Museum, honoring West Michiganders who served the United States during World War II.
 

This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Ask our front desk upon arrival to redeem.

Early Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, for Cabinet of Curiosities: Grand Slam!

This elevated spring fundraiser explores America’s favorite pastime through Grand Rapids history and celebrates the GRPM’s new exhibit, Play Ball! The World’s Largest Collection of Detroit Tigers Autographed Baseballs.

Planetarium & Cafe Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium and the Museum Cafe will be closed from September 2nd – 5th.

Upcoming
Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 20. We will reopen on Monday, April 21 for normal hours. 

Extended! Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Friday, December 6!

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash!

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Tuesday, December 3! 

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for an event. We will re-open on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

Late Opening Notice.

On Saturday, May 11, the Museum will open at 12 p.m. due to road closures for the Amway River Bank Run.

Early Closure Notice.

The Museum will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 for Museum Adventure After Dark. Tickets are still available!