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Wildcat Skyranch

Gatherings

Nights under a dark sky

43.86° N-89.75° WBortle 4Central Wisconsin

We gather through the warmer months for skywatches and contact practice. Free, newcomers always welcome — bring a warm layer and an open mind. The field rests through the deep cold; new dates post here each season.

Free
Every gathering is free to attend.
No experience
Newcomers are always welcome.
Dress warm
Even summer fields get cool after dark.
Weather
We watch the forecast and email if a night is called.

Find the CE-5 site

Know where to look up.

863 Elk AvenueAdams, WI 53910

This is the CE-5 gathering site. Save the address before you leave and use the map link to plan your route.

Open in Google Maps

863 Elk Avenue, Adams, WI 53910

The entrance to the CE-5 site at 863 Elk Avenue

863 ELK AVENUE · ADAMS, WI

September Contact Night — a gathering at The ranch · Central Wisconsin
Saturday, September 5Free
7:00 PM — lateThe ranch · Central Wisconsin

September Contact Night

We meet at the ranch as the sky darkens — a short welcome for newcomers, then the CE-5 protocol as a group, and the rest of the night spent watching, listening, and sharing what we notice. Free and open to all, no experience needed. Come and go as you like.

Sky conditions
for this night
Moon
33% lit
Waning Crescent
Darkness
Bortle 4
dark by 9:09 PM
Forecast
Closer to the date
checks ~2 weeks out

Worth looking up for

  • Overhead this month — The Summer Triangle still dominates as Pegasus and Andromeda climb the eastern sky.

Getting there

The published address and Google Maps link show the CE-5 site. The site is a private field down a gravel road — arrive before dark if it's your first time.

Open site in Google Maps

What to bring

  • A warm layer for after dark
  • A reclining chair or blanket
  • A red flashlight, if you have one
  • Water and a snack
RSVP to attend Add to calendar

or email CE5Wisconsin@proton.me

October Contact Night — a gathering at The ranch · Central Wisconsin
Saturday, October 3Free
6:00 PM — lateThe ranch · Central Wisconsin

October Contact Night

We meet at the ranch as the sky darkens — a short welcome for newcomers, then the CE-5 protocol as a group, and the rest of the night spent watching, listening, and sharing what we notice. Free and open to all, no experience needed. Come and go as you like.

Sky conditions
for this night
Moon
49% lit
Last Quarter
Darkness
Bortle 4
dark by 8:12 PM
Forecast
Closer to the date
checks ~2 weeks out

Worth looking up for

  • Orionids meteor shower — peaks in 17 days · up to ~20/hr · swift meteors from Halley's Comet
  • Overhead this month — Pegasus and Andromeda ride high — the Andromeda Galaxy is faintly visible to the naked eye from dark skies.

Getting there

The published address and Google Maps link show the CE-5 site. The site is a private field down a gravel road — arrive before dark if it's your first time.

Open site in Google Maps

What to bring

  • A warm layer for after dark
  • A reclining chair or blanket
  • A red flashlight, if you have one
  • Water and a snack
RSVP to attend Add to calendar

or email CE5Wisconsin@proton.me

November Contact Night — a gathering at The ranch · Central Wisconsin
Saturday, November 7Free
5:00 PM — lateThe ranch · Central Wisconsin

November Contact Night

We meet at the ranch as the sky darkens — a short welcome for newcomers, then the CE-5 protocol as a group, and the rest of the night spent watching, listening, and sharing what we notice. Free and open to all, no experience needed. Come and go as you like.

Sky conditions
for this night
Moon
3% lit
Waning Crescent
Darkness
Bortle 4
dark by 6:21 PM
Forecast
Closer to the date
checks ~2 weeks out

Worth looking up for

  • Leonids meteor shower — peaks in 9 days · up to ~15/hr · fast and bright
  • Overhead this month — Taurus and the Pleiades return in the east as the Summer Triangle sinks into the west.

Getting there

The published address and Google Maps link show the CE-5 site. The site is a private field down a gravel road — arrive before dark if it's your first time.

Open site in Google Maps

What to bring

  • A warm layer for after dark
  • A reclining chair or blanket
  • A red flashlight, if you have one
  • Water and a snack
RSVP to attend Add to calendar

or email CE5Wisconsin@proton.me

Photos & field notes

Past Events

Each gathering’s page stays up after the night ends — with approved photos and any available event notes added when they’re ready.