Public Events

Public Open Houses

Free open houses are held on Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. during CU summer sessions) when CU classes are in session (during the spring, summer A & B, and fall semesters.)

Open houses are only held when the skies are clear. If you're not sure if we'll be open, check out our local weather with instructions for calling ahead. 

There is no charge for the Observatory's Open House nights ... the stars are free to everyone!

Sessions typically last from 1-3 hours, depending upon the weather, the quality of the night, and the enthusiasm and size of the crowd (if unsure of observing status call 303.492.2020). Please stop by anytime after we open and stay as long as you wish.

We also have tripod-mounted binoculars and the world's largest starwheel (well, at least we think it is) for identifying bright stars and constellations. Depending upon the staffing on a particular night, we may be able to offer you a chance to visit the 24-inch telescope ... that mysterious tube hiding hiding inside the dome ... as well additional smaller telescopes set up on the open deck for looking at the Moon and other bright celestial objects.

Most of our evening programs are hosted by the APS Department's graduate students, with an occasional faculty professor, researcher, local amateur astronomer, and/or undergraduate volunteer on hand.