Observatory Open House

Observe the evening sky through telescopes during our Observatory Open House nights! Astronomy faculty and club members are on-site to operate the telescopes and guide visitors as they view objects in the night sky.

Visitors are encouraged to come and go as they please during an Open House. Get a preview of what's in the sky with a brief sky tour in the Planetarium throughout the night. Telescopes are set up on the 4th-floor observation deck. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible.

Observatory Open Houses are offered monthly each semester, weather permitting. The observatory cannot open in the event of clouds, rain, or strong winds. Weather calls are posted by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

Observatory Open Houses are open to everyone with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Donations are not required for entry.

Registration is encouraged to receive weather updates, an event go/no-go, and parking information via email on the day of the event.

Fall 2026 Schedule:

August 12 (@ Edelman Fossil Park & Museum), 12 - 3:00 p.m. - Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing

August 27, 9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - Lunar Eclipse Viewing

September 19 (@ Edelman Fossil Park & Museum), 6:00 - 9 p.m. - International Observe the Moon Night

November 17, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

December 16, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.