Weather Updates
At 6:00p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 the sky in Colrain is variable, sometimes clear, now with clouds rising from the west: I will be at the site, as per details below, and folks are welcome to come at 7:45pm to check the conditions. We may need to cancel, however. After a gorgeous conditions on Friday Sept. 11 with 25+ on hand to enjoy it, tomorrow, the Sept. 12 Saturday sky provided another excellent show with 11 attendees despite waiting out several moving cloud bands. Each night we had splendid views of the Andromeda galaxy as well as our own, and Saturn appeared in the east with an orange-yellow glow that was quite wonderful in contrast to glittering stars. Several attendees have expressed interest in a winter Sky Tour; email me if interested at thresholdcrossing7@gmail.com.
Evening Sky Tours and Other Naturalism Programs
Discover the layers of nature: Earth, Sky, and the ecosystems in between! Email Jon at thresholdcrossing7@gmail.com if you would like to be on his e-mailing list for program information.
When and where?
2026 Evening Sky Tour program in Colrain, MA: Friday – Sunday, September 11-13 at the lawn just east of the West Branch Cemetery on Foundary Village Rd in Colrain. Each evening, the program begins at 8:00 p.m.; see below for details. Sponsored by the Colrain Cultural Council under the auspices of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Information about Current Programs
What to Bring / In the Event of Cloud Cover
Regarding Evening Sky Tours:
Jon emphasizes naked-eye observation and learning, though participants are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. Those who would like to bring a telescope are welcome to, but this will be the owner’s responsibility and should consult with Jon prior to the program. Most important is to dress warmly even if the day was warm. Dress in layers, wear wool socks, and bring hat & gloves. This will allow you to relax and focus on viewing for a prolonged period. Most people stay for 1 ½ – 2 hours.
Watch the forecast for clear skies; multiple nights are scheduled because of New England’s variable weather. See this site the day of the program or email/submit contact info to get a program reminder or updates regarding the cloud-cover prediction. Yet Jon also teaches about weather and geology: as long as it isn’t raining, Jon will be there! If you have special mobility requirements or other needs, please also contact Jon in advance of this outdoor program; thank you. All are welcome!
Regarding Geology programs:
Dress in layers suitable for November as if for easy outdoor hiking. Bring a camera/phone should you want to record any of the sites. Check weather updates (cancellation and rescheduling only in the event of rain).
Led by Jon Rehmus of Colrain
For over 30 years, Jon has led naturalism programs for school, church, and community groups while having taught Earth science and astronomy to students of various ages.
Evening Sky Tour programs involve a brief introduction and then laying back on tarps under blankets as Jon shows and explains major features such as planets, stars, constellations, and galactic structures using a laser pointer. Learning both astronomy lore and data, you will be enriched by this treasure – the dome of the sky; a fascinating cosmos ever around us.
The Geology Tours of the Pioneer Valley involve a drive-around visit to ~6 stops that look at the multi-staged history behind how the Valley and ridges were formed, identifiers related to mountain-building and glacial eras, and various related, local historical anecdotes.
Testimonials
Jonathan from Shelburne MA
Jon brought the wonder, awe and magic of watching and learning about the night sky to a group of seven participants, including my son, who was enthralled to learn how fast we were spinning and traveling through space, not just toward our Sun but around our galaxy; how fast it would take to travel to Saturn on a beam of light; and how exoplanets shift their host star’s position gravitationally to confirm their existence. For two hours, Jon guided us across our galaxy, orienting us positionally in respect to other nearby galaxies, identified constellations and their connection to ancient Greek myths and took questions from the audience who were cozied up in sleeping bags and blankets. It was a highly educational and rewarding experience, but it was also awe-inspiring. Jon offers the community an important and accessible knowledge to individuals, families.
Betsy from Colrain MA
Jon is an experienced teacher for both children and adults. The sky was spectacular that night and even though I have enjoyed the night sky my whole life, I have never been so aware of what I was looking at. In awe and wonder, we stayed out under the stars for over 2 hours. As we stood to walk back, the southern sky seemed to be full with the constellation Sagittarius. An Evening Sky Tour is a chance to gather with members of the community to learn while enjoying the beauty of our earth and sky.