Free Public Observing at the Washburn Observatory

There is parking on the street in front of the Observatory

1401 Observatory Drive
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706

When you arrive at the observatory, please enter at the south door (that faces away from the lake) and go directly up the stairs to your right. Then proceed through the door in front of you into the dome.

The Open House sessions are hosted by UW astronomy graduate students and volunteer astronomers. The public viewing sessions are informal, so there is no lecture or tour. The dome is open to the outside air so dress appropriately.

Open House Hours

January to March	7:30-9:30 PM	1st and 3rd Wednesdays
April and May	9:00-11:00 PM	1st and 3rd Wednesdays
June to August	9:00-11:00 PM	every Wednesday
September and October	9:00-11:00 PM	1st and 3rd Wednesdays
November and December	7:30-9:30 PM	1st and 3rd Wednesdays

Please keep in mind that the sky needs to be mostly clear for observing to take place. However, this is not the only restriction. Other factors including subzero temperatures or high humidity could prompt the observer to cancel or delay observing. As these conditions are frequently unpredictable, the host will decide when to close the observatory based on weather and interest.

---

On the linked Twitter feed below, the host will usually post the observatory's status ~30 minutes before observing begins.

---

Other Observing Notes and Restrictions

Unfortunately, to preserve the original character of Washburn, the telescope is not handicap accessible and is only reachable by climbing a flight of stairs

Food and drinks are not allowed in the observatory

Flash Photography is not permitted

If you still have questions you can e-mail: washburn[at]astro[dot]wisc[dot]edu