The Elkins Park Skywatchers gathered on Wednesday evening at Creekside Market and Tap to watch the launch of the Artemis II rocket, CBS News reported today.
The 10-day mission is manned by four astronauts who will circumnavigate the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The mission could travel farther from Earth than any human ever has, according to CNN’s live updates.
Skywatchers was co-founded by Hector Ybe, owner of Elkins Nutrition in Cheltenham Township, and Jason Barnhart, an Elkins Park resident, fellow astronomy hobbyist, and a full-time K-12 substitute teacher with Cheltenham schools. The club regularly hosts observation nights for community residents along with “sky tours, family-friendly activities, and special events for meteor showers, moon viewings, and more,” according to Ybe.
In December 2025, the club caught the attention of Gregory Leonard, a senior research specialist at the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, who paid the Ybe and company a visit in mid-December.
“There’s a good chance that we could collaborate on some things,” he told Glenside Local. “He’s doing great work to advance people’s knowledge of astronomy in the area. My hat’s off to him.”
In January, the group was accepted to NASA’s “Night Sky Network”. From NASA.gov:
Founded in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, our Community Astronomy Club brings neighbors together under the night sky to explore the wonders of the universe. We believe astronomy isn’t just about stars and planets t’s about connection, curiosity, and shared discovery.
Our mission is to enhance our community through accessible, hands-on educational experiences, from telescope viewing nights and sky-watching events to workshops, talks, and family-friendly programs. Whether you’re a lifelong stargazer or just looked up and wondered “what’s that?”, you’re welcome here.
We’re passionate about making astronomy fun, inclusive, and inspiring for all ages, while encouraging learning, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of the cosmos above Elkins Park. Together, we turn dark skies into bright ideas and build community—one star at a time.
You can read more about the Artemis II mission here. CBS News’ video coverage is below:
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Screengrab: CBS News | Photos: Elkins Nutrition