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Free
Thinking about buying a telescope for the holidays? Try before you buy! Come to the National Air and Space Museum's Public Observatory and test out a variety of telescopes. Get advice from knowledgeable staff and volunteers!
Do not miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects through a large historic telescope and several portable telescopes.
Viewings are always weather dependent. If it is cloudy, the observing will be canceled. Check @SIObservatory on Twitter for updates related to weather closures or call (202) 633-2517. Tickets are not required.
Accessibility: The terrace and Observatory dome are accessible. Viewing through the main telescope is fully accessible to all visitors with an extended eyepiece.
Consider signing up for a training session to learn to use new telescopes after the holidays, at UMD Observatory's New Telescope Owners' Nights.
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On the evening of June 11, 2015, visitors at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory enjoyed spectacular views of the planets Venus and Jupiter. It was a clear summer night with beautiful skies, and the two planets were noticeably close to each other in the sky. Visitors observed the crescent shape of Venus in the telescope, and noticed stripes of color in Jupiter's atmosphere. In this image, a volunteer is pointing out where the planets can be seen in the sky.
Two weeks after this observing night, Venus and Jupiter were at conjunction, when they appeared less than half a degree apart in the sky and could be seen at the same time in a telescope.
How to attend
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
650 Jefferson Drive SW. Washington, DC 20560
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.
Support the Museum
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.