A Star Party is a public astronomy event held on Saturday nights, where visitors can explore the night sky through telescopes, attend planetarium shows, and learn about space.
Star Parties have been a cherished tradition since 1916, when astronomer John Stanley Plaskett first opened the observatory grounds to the public.
His goal was simple but powerful: to make astronomy accessible to everyone. That spirit continues to this day.
Black and white portrait of a man with a mustache, wearing a suit and tie, inside an oval frame.
Held on Saturday nights year-round, Star Parties invite visitors of all ages to explore the universe in an engaging, hands-on environment.
In the winter months, events run from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and in the summer months from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Check our event listing for dates.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy a variety of astronomy-themed experiences, including:
Engaging talks from knowledgeable speakers on space and astronomy topics
A dedicated children’s program featuring presentations and guided tours
Planetarium shows that bring the night sky to life, even on cloudy evenings
Tours of the Observatory with the over 100-year-old Plaskett telescope, with viewing (weather permitting)
Telescope viewing (weather permitting), including the recently upgraded 16 inch telescope
A visit to the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs
Star Parties run rain or shine, ensuring there’s always something to discover.
With over a century of history, pausing only during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, Star Parties remain a cornerstone of public astronomy outreach, continuing to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about our place in the universe.
A Star Party is a public astronomy event held on Saturday nights, where visitors can explore the night sky through telescopes, attend planetarium shows, and learn about space.
Star Parties have been a cherished tradition since 1916, when astronomer John Stanley Plaskett first opened the observatory grounds to the public.
His goal was simple but powerful: to make astronomy accessible to everyone. That spirit continues to this day.
Black and white portrait of a man with a mustache, wearing a suit and tie, inside an oval frame.
Held on Saturday nights year-round, Star Parties invite visitors of all ages to explore the universe in an engaging, hands-on environment.
In the winter months, events run from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and in the summer months from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Check our event listing for dates.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy a variety of astronomy-themed experiences, including:
Engaging talks from knowledgeable speakers on space and astronomy topics
A dedicated children’s program featuring presentations and guided tours
Planetarium shows that bring the night sky to life, even on cloudy evenings
Tours of the Observatory with the over 100-year-old Plaskett telescope, with viewing (weather permitting)
Telescope viewing (weather permitting), including the recently upgraded 16 inch telescope
A visit to the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs
Star Parties run rain or shine, ensuring there’s always something to discover.
With over a century of history, pausing only during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, Star Parties remain a cornerstone of public astronomy outreach, continuing to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about our place in the universe.
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