Another once-in-a-lifetime event coming SOON:  a nova explosion!  This one will be visible for a full week.  Check back for details of exact dates.  Book the Cackle Observatory for the best views in the area!
Update Jan 6, 2025:    www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/the-blaze-star-will-soon-explode-after-80-years-of-waiting
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Huth Avian has years of experience as an amateur astronomer to share with you!

Proud Member of Austin Astronomical Society since 2001

Owner/operator of "Cackle Observatory"

Cackle Observatory
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Home built roll-off roof observatory housing a
Celestron 9.25" computerized telescope. 

                                            Star Parties
                For an unusual way to spend an evening:

Planning a family reunion or business conference in the area? Want to throw a unique birthday party or host a special event?

Huth Avian is pleased to offer a unique service in the TX Hill Country: book the Cackle Observatory for a night of star-gazing!  One of HA's goals is to share the beauty of the night sky. Jesse will be on hand to position his telescope on some of the most exciting objects our skies have to offer, as well as answering your cosmic questions. Our clear, dry, night skies yield impressive views of the planets, our own Moon, the constellations, galaxies beyond our own Milky Way galaxy, fascinating star clusters, the ISS and other satellites, as well as incredible gas clouds out in deep space. Our state-of-the-art telescope provides a window to the universe and brings otherwise invisible celestial objects into plain view with incredible detail. The rings of Saturn, the cloud bands and moons of Jupiter, and the craters and seas on the Moon can easily be seen. These and other sights will all be thoroughly described to you.     (A bonfire with hot dogs, marshmallows and hot chocolate can also be arranged in colder months.)

If you require a daytime activity, we also offer solar viewing. We can accommodate safe observing of our Sun through a telescope fitted with special filters that highlight prominences and sunspots to offer a fascinating view of our own star.

Sessions are available year round.

Can't make it to the observatory?
We may be able to travel to, or near, your location for an event. Please note, while it would be really fun to set up in your backyard, some locations may not provide the best viewing due to buildings, trees, or simply too much light pollution to see some the best objects in the sky. In these cases a suitable location near your event may be used in lieu of your exact location.


Contact us to discuss details and pricing.


Cackle Observatory Clear Sky Chart.... click on chart for info on how to read chart..... use for planning a good night to observe!
   2025 Celestial Events 
  • January 3, 4 - Quadrantids Meteor Shower
  • January 13 - Full Moon - Wolf Moon
  • Jan 29 - New Moon
  • February 12 - Full Moon - Snow Moon
  • February 20-28 - Grand Planetary Alignment  - All seven planets will be visible in the sky at once. In the short window after sunset, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will shine brightly, while Saturn and Mercury will be closer to the western horizon—requiring a clear view to spot them
  • Feb 28 - New Moon
  • March 14 - Full Moon - Worm Moon
  • March 14 - Total Lunar Eclipse (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)
  • March 20 - March (vernal) Equinox  2:58am CT
  • March 23 - Saturn's rings will disappear from view for a short time as we observe them edge-on from Earth
  • March 26 -  Live Long and Prosper Day  https://nationaltoday.com/live-long-and-prosper-day/
  • ​March 29 - New Moon
  • March 29 - Partial Solar Eclipse (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)
  • April 13 -  Full Moon - Pink Moon
  • April 22, 23 - Lyrids Meteor Shower
  • April 25 -  Triple Conjunction - waning crescent moon aligns with Venus & Saturn forming a Happy Smiley-face in the sky
  • April 27 -  New Moon 
  • May 6, 7 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
  • May 12 - Full Moon - Flower Moon
  • May 27 - New Moon
  • June 21 - June (summer) Solstice  8:40pm  CT
  • June 25 - New Moon  
  • July 10 - Full Moon - Buck Moon
  • July 24 - New Moon
  • July 28, 29 - Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
  • August 9 -  Full Moon - Sturgeon Moon
  • August 12, 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower
  • August 23 - New Moon
  • September 7 - Full Moon - Corn Moon
  • September 7 - Total Lunar Eclipse  (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)
  • September 21 - New Moon
  • September 21 - Partial Solar Eclipse  (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)
  • September 22 - September (autumn) Equinox   6:17pm CT
  • October 7 - Full Moon, Supermoon - Hunters Moon
  • October 7 - Draconids Meteor Shower
  • October 21 - New Moon
  • October 21, 22 - Orionids Meteor Shower
  • November 4, 5 - Taurids Meteor Shower
  • November 5 - Full Moon, Supermoon - Beaver Moon
  • November 17, 18 - Leonids Meteor Shower
  • Nov 20 - New Moon
  • December 4 - Full Moon, Supermoon - Cold Moon
  • December 13, 14 - Geminids Meteor Shower
  • December 20 - New Moon
  • December 21 - December Solstice
  • December 21, 22 - Ursids Meteor Shower​​