Use the Observatory's safe solar telescopes to take a close-up look at our nearest star, the Sun. Learn about solar activity and its effects on Earth from knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Accessibility: The terrace and Observatory dome are accessible. Viewing through the main telescope is fully accessible to all visitors with an extended eyepiece.

Schedules are subject to change and will be posted at Observatory entrance and at the Museum's Welcome Center. Viewings are dependent on clear weather.

Visitors to the Public Observatory on July 26, 2012 observed this prominence above the Sun, standing at least five times as tall as the Earth. 

The Sun is made of hot gas, called plasma, which must flow along magnetic field lines. Magnetic arches above the Sun act like highways for gas, creating prominences of glowing gas like the one seen here.

The picture was taken at 1:24 p.m. using a hydrogen-alpha telescope, which only allows through one shade of red light.

Telescope: Lunt 100mm Hydrogen-alpha

Camera: SKYnyx2-2M

How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560
CLOSED - Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory