Leander McCormick Observatory is open on the FIRST and THIRD Friday nights of every month (except holidays) year round. Visitors can view celestial objects through the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor and other smaller telescopes (weather permitting), tour the Observatory, hear a presentation by an astronomer, and see the exhibits. All faculty, postdocs and graduate students participate through a rotating schedule.
To limit overcrowding, registration is required on our Eventbrite website. Tickets remain FREE. You will be asked to provide your name, contact details, the number of visitors in your party, and the number of vehicles you will be parking. We are currently limiting the number of visitors to 80 people and 30 cars per night; 60 people and 15 cars in the first slot, and 40 people and 15 cars in the second slot. Registration is first come, first served. Once a public night is at capacity, you have the option to select other dates. If you have questions about the Eventbrite, please call our office during normal business hours.
The Observatory is open from 9:00-11:00 p.m. during daylight saving time (mid-March to early November) and 7:00-9:00 p.m. during eastern standard time (early November to mid-March).
