Observe the Sun with safe telescopes
Become an astronomer and observe the skies with a telescope, even during the day!
View the Sun safely using the Observatory's solar-filtered telescopes. Knowledgeable staff will be present to answer questions and guide observing. Sometimes additional daytime objects, including the Moon and Venus, may be in the sky for observing.
Online visitors are invited to check the Observatory's Ustream channel for a live telescope view during our open hours, when available, and archived videos of the Sun, Moon, planets, and more.
The Observatory is free and open to the public during posted hours, weather permitting. For weather and closure updates, check @SIObservatory or ask at the Welcome Center when you arrive at the Museum.
Join us for other observing programs, and sign up for the Observatory newsletter (select Public Observatory News) to get notified about upcoming special events!
Accessibility: The Observatory dome and terrace are accessible via ramp or steps. Written and touchable explanatory materials are available.
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This image of the Sun was taken on December 28, 2011 at 12:35 pm EST. Two hydrogen-alpha filters were used, increasing the contrast between the bright plages (typically found near sunspot groups) and dark filaments. The double-stacked filters do not cast even illumination, however, causing the bright stripe across the bottom of the Sun.
There is significant sunspot activity on the Sun today. The filaments and prominences, particularly the bright prominence to the upper right, are sites of other magnetic activity.
The bright prominence erupted and dissipated about 24 hours later, as seen by the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Telescope: 60mm Hydrogen-alpha telescope with double-stacked filter.
Camera: Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2M
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As spring quickly approaches and being outside is becoming more and more inviting, we Public Observatory staff continue to enjoy spending time outside with our portable telescopes. Every sunny day between 12:30pm and 2pm, except for Mondays, we invite visitors near the Independence Avenue entrance to take a look at the sun through our specially equipped telescopes.
Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory
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