Stars and Stories: Grand Rapids Public Museum teams up with astronomy group for events
The season officially launches on Saturday, April 25, with a dual-purpose celebration marking both Michigan Statewide Astronomy Night and International Astronomy Day.
GRAND RAPIDS — The wonders of the cosmos and the high-stakes history of American space exploration are coming to the forefront this spring as the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association unveil their 2026 collaborative programming.
The season officially launches on Saturday, April 25, with a dual-purpose celebration marking both Michigan Statewide Astronomy Night and International Astronomy Day.
Veen Observatory reopens
The James C. Veen Observatory, located in Lowell Township, will kick off its public observing schedule with a free open house 8-11 p.m. on April 25. While telescope viewing is weather-dependent, the facility will remain open to the public regardless of cloud cover for this special inaugural event.
Following the opener, the observatory will host public nights on select Saturdays through October. These sessions offer visitors the chance to utilize the facility’s permanently mounted telescopes, as well as high-end portable instruments provided by GRAAA members.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 3308 Kissing Rock Ave., Lowell Township
- Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for youth (3-17); free for children younger than 5 and GRPM/GRAAA members.
- Weather policy: After April 25, events are weather-permitting. Status updates are posted at GRAAA.org by 6:30 p.m. on event days.
- Tip: Arriving later during summer months provides darker skies and shorter wait times.
'Apollo 1' documentary screening
The collaboration moves from the telescope to the silver screen on Wednesday, April 29, with a special presentation of "Apollo 1: A Feature Documentary." The screening will take place at 7 p.m. in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater.
The film provides a poignant, comprehensive look at the 1967 spacecraft fire that claimed the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Grand Rapids native Roger Chaffee.
Director Mark Craig, who was granted access to archival footage and personal family interviews, will be in attendance to introduce the film and discuss the production's challenges.
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"This production was both one of my most challenging and rewarding," Craig said.
The screening is free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance via the museum’s website at grpm.org.
For more information on the 2026 observing schedule or to reserve tickets for the "Apollo 1" screening, visit grpm.org/calendar or graaa.org.
In Ottawa County, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association offers a free public program each month at Hemlock Crossing, year-round.
The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year whenever viewing conditions allow (clear skies are needed!).
Visit holland-saaa.org to check if a viewing will take place.
— Submitted by the Grand Rapids Public Museum. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
