The observatory is open Tuesday-Sunday in the summer and less frequently other times of the year. See the Hours & Location page for the latest information. While every night is different, a typical evening program goes something like this (times given for both Winter and Summer):
8:00pm (W) 9:00pm (S)
WARMLY DRESSED guests arrive at 8:00pm in the fall-spring or 9:00pm in the summer. In winter, serious cold weather or ski gear is required. In summer, prepare for Central Oregon temperature swings of up to forty degrees so a jacket, long pants, hat, and insect repellent is HIGHLY recommended. Guests pay their admission at the Nature Center building and receive a nifty glow ring.
Begin viewing and getting oriented! We'll have telescopes already pointing at interesting objects though it may not really be dark yet. Learn to operate our telescopes outside while it's light enough to see what you're doing.
8:30pm (W) 9:30pm (S)
Evening presentation begins in the Pozzi center next to the Nature Center or in the open-air arena next to it. This is a fun introduction to astronomy and the cosmos suitable for the entire family. From time to time we also have guest speakers who give more specialized talks. Check Events and Observatory News for these.
9:00pm (W) 10:00pm (S)
Return to the Observatory for some more spectacular viewing under darker skies. Now, if the skies are clear and the moon cooperates, you'll be able to see nebula and galaxies light-years away. In the summer, the Milky Way fills the sky, metors zip by, and there's no better place on earth.
9:30pm (W) 10:30pm (S)
Our staff will guide you though the constellations and mythhology of the night sky using an awesome green laser. Other guests continue to look deep into the cosmos with telescopes pointed either by themselves or by the staff.
10:00pm (W) 11:00pm (S)
Go home a better person
57245 River Road, Sunriver Oregon | Tel: 541-593-4394 | Click here for a map