National Air and Space Museum Educational Programs -- Public Observatory

The Public Observatory is typically open Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Wednesday mornings are set aside for school groups.

The Observatory houses a 16-inch telescope. For the reserved program, groups will use three solar telescopes to safely view the Sun in different types of light. The white light telescope allows viewers to see sunspots located on the Sun’s surface. The Hydrogen-alpha (red light) and Calcium-K (purple light) telescopes can show a variety of solar features located in the Sun’s atmosphere.

Please note that these reserved programs are limited to 25 participants per group. For more information about regular public programming, see the Public Observatory Project page.

Grades: 3 and up
Description: Join the National Air and Space Museum’s astronomy educators for a close-up look at our nearest star, the Sun. The program begins with an introduction to the Sun, then offers participants the opportunity to observe the Sun through the Observatory’s safe solar telescopes. Our different solar filters give three unique views of the Sun allowing observation of sunspots, prominences, filaments, plages, and other signs of solar activity (depending on how active the Sun is during the program). Weather permitting.

Please note: This program may be cancelled due to rain or overcast weather. You can call (202) 633-2517 to confirm your program if the weather is questionable.