Our Mission
The Franklin Township Astronomy Club is your gateway to amateur astronomical exploration. Based in Franklin Township, NJ, we work to bring together a community of people who share a common interest in learning about the universe
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Celestial Events Calendar
Latest News
Preserve our Night Sky this April
For all of us who love looking deep into the night sky, one of the more troubling developments is the creeping loss of darkness. With continued population growth and land development, we are losing darkness at a rate of 2% per year. In fact, it’s estimated that only 2 in 10 people in the United States can see the Milky Way at night.
The Franklin Township Astronomy Club is committed to raising awareness of the impact of artificial light at night on our environment. We will be participating in a number of public events this month:
April 13-20 Township-wide commemoration of International Dark Sky Week: With the support of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission, the Club has submitted to the Township Council a proclamation in support of International Dark Sky Week from April 13-20. Our Club is proud of this accomplishment and grateful for Franklin Township’s support of this global observance
April 18: “Go Dark” sunset hike and astronomy night: Together with our club sponsor, the Franklin Township Trails Advisory Committee, we will be partnering on a combined hike and observing night. All are invited, and club members who own and operate telescopes are very welcome to come and set up. It promises to be a great township-wide event. John Clyde Preserve 1091 Canal Road, Griggstown. Register here: https://uqfh5.app.goo.gl/aZU7
April 22, Preserving Franklin’s Night Sky presentation at the Franklin Township Public Library. Come here how YOU can contribute to preserving our skies. We’ll be providing practical tips on how to light your homes as dark-sky-friendly as possible. Library Community Room 6:30 pm
More info and registration here: https://franklintwp.libnet.info/event/16022820
April 24 Wagner Farms Arboretum Astronomy Night: a small group of club members is joining with a larger group of amateur astronomers as we set up telescopes during this amazing night under the stars. Open to the public, we’d love to see you there! Wagner Farms Arboretum 97 Mountain Ave, Warren, NJ
Monthly Meeting
Don't forget our meetings are set for a new day, time and location for 2026!
Beginning in January, we are moving our monthly meetings to occur on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 pm in the Franklin Township Community/Senior Center (505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ)
Our April meeting agenda is set! Aside from Club News, and an overview of what's in the night sky in April, we will be treated to an informative presentation on Visual Astronomy with Binoculars and Telescopes. Learn how to find objects in the night sky and use optics to reveal their detail.
Don't be a fool -- join us on Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 pm!
Meteor Shower Watch
The Lyrids meteor shower, which peaks during late April, is one of the oldest known meteor showers. The Lyrids have been observed for 2,700 years. The first recorded sighting of a Lyrid meteor shower goes back to 687 BC by the Chinese.
The Lyrids are known for their fast and bright meteors. Though not as fast or as plentiful as the famous Perseids in August, Lyrids can surprise watchers with as many as 100 meteors seen per hour. Sightings of these heavier showers occurred in 1803 (Virginia), 1922 (Greece), 1945 (Japan), and 1982 (U.S.). In general, 10-20 Lyrid meteors can be seen per hour during their peak.
Lyrids don’t tend to leave long, glowing dust trains behind them as they streak through the Earth's atmosphere, but they can produce the occasional bright flash called a fireball.
This year, the Lyrids are expected to peak April 21-22.
