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Observatory Open House Schedule

The Astronomical Society frequently holds public observing sessions at the University’s historic observatory. These sessions are open to anyone and are free of charge. Visitors have the opportunity to gaze through the 128+ year-old, original 12″ refracting telescope, as well as several smaller telescopes.

The usual open house schedule is for the second Friday of the month, for about two/three hours. This schedule is for the U of I Fall and Spring semesters only. If the sky is cloudy, we’ll still be there giving tours of the observatory and talking about its long and field-changing history.

Throughout the year the observing time varies with what is in season. During the spring, summer, and fall months observing usually takes place between 8-10PM. During the winter months observing usually takes place between 7-9PM.

The Observatory will be open to the public at the following times for viewing (weather permitting – we must have mostly clear skies).

August Open House: 12-4pm 25th August 2024

September Open House: 8-11pm 13th September 2024

October Open House: 8-11pm 11th October 2024

November Open House: 7-10pm 8th November 2024

To be notified of upcoming Open Houses, join the UIAS Guest Mailing List!

Where is the observatory?

The Observatory building is located on the far southeast corner of the quad, between the Morrow Plots and Smith Memorial Hall. It is a short block southeast of Foellinger Auditorium (which is at the south end of the main quad), or a longer block east of the main library: