Public Telescope Nights at the Ohio University Observatory

Telescope Nights are hosted by the Ohio University astronomy faculty and students. Visitors may see Lunar craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter, Mars, star clusters, or distant galaxies, depending on the time of year and sky conditions.

Telescope Nights are held at the Ohio University Observatory located at The Ridges on the Athens campus. Telescope nights are free and open to the public.

Where Is the Observatory and Where Should I Park?

Parking is available in university lots 202, 200, and 201, which are open to visitors after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends. A permit is required 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The lots are open to public all other times, unless reserved for a special event.

These lots are located near The Ridges Auditorium. Follow the stairs up the hill to Konneker Labs, proceed through the Konneker lot, and walk up Water Tower Drive to reach the Observatory at the summit.

Limited parking for persons with a disability is available at the observatory dome.

Upcoming Telescope Nights

Note various DROP-IN times depending on the month. A telescope night will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or stormy.

Drop-In Hours

Spring 2024

March 15 and March 16  (8 to 10 p.m.)

April 12 and April 13  (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)

May 10 and May 11 (9 to 11 p.m.)

Thank you for your interest.

For more information, please contact the Physics & Astronomy Department at Observatory@ohio.edu.