See the night's sky as never before. Explore the cosmos from the comfort of your home. Discover the secrets of the Sun.

You can do all this and more with our unique astronomy programs, led by museum experts.

Events and Programs

Join us at either Museum location, or bring the Museum to you with our unique astronomy programs. 

Adult visitors recline in chairs as an illustration of the constellations appear on the domed ceiling above them.

Planetarium Shows

Explore the cosmos ... from anywhere.

Our planetarium shows offer you an unrivaled view of the cosmos, all while seated in the National Air and Space Museum or in front of your laptop.

We offer a variety of ways to tour the universe through our planetarium programming. 

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A person looking through a telescope outside during the day with a second person speaking to them.

Observe the Sun

Become an astronomer and observe the Sun safely with a filtered telescope.

When: Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 3 PM, weather permitting 
Location: Outside the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC 

A child looking through a telescope while a museum educator assists

Second Saturday Sungazing

Become an astronomer and observe the Sun safely with a filtered telescope.

When: Second Saturday of the month, from 11 AM to 2 PM, weather permitting 
Location: Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center

An child looks through a telescope with a thrilled expression while sitting on an adult's lap.

Stargazing

Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder what you're seeing? We're here to help! 

When: Check calendar for upcoming dates
Location: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

A picture of the night's sky with the outline of the constellation the Big Dipper super imposed.

All Astronomy Programs

Not sure what you're looking for? Check out all the upcoming astronomy programs. 

An image taken by a space telescope and colorized by scientists and artists, this gives us a picture of the cosmos. The edges are black with white glowing dots that appear as stars. In the center is the crab nebula, an organic circular shape that opens like a wound or a rip in the the black starry field. There are spindly formations that stretch towards the center of the opening, layers and layers deep, like vines. The opening is mostly shades of blue and green, with some orange around the edge.
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Astronomy

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Public Observatory

Temporarily Closed

Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory

After more than a decade of inviting visitors to observe the wonders of our universe, the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory is now entering a period of revitalization and transformation. While we transform, we are closed to the public.

More About Transforming the Museum

Astronomy programming is made possible by support from the Thomas W. Haas Foundation, the Otto Haas Charitable Trust, The Waterman Trust, and the Wyncote Foundation.