In-Person
Observatories Open House 2025
🚀 Come explore the cosmos at the Carnegie Science Observatories! Plus, free paletas for the whole family!!
Every October, the Carnegie Science Observatories opens its doors to the public for a day of all-ages astronomical discovery and fun in the Sun.
- Meet professional astronomers and learn about how they study the universe.
- Visit the machine shop to see how we make instruments for our telescopes.
- Bring your questions about the stars, planets, quasars, black holes, galaxies, and more to our “Ask an Astronomer” table.
- Look at the Sun through a solar telescope.
- Toast a marshmallow using the power of the Sun's rays.
- Play a custom video game in our 3-D Visualization Lab.
- Tour our beautiful Hale Library and see historic astronomical images taken on glass plates.
- Get the latest update on the Giant Magellan Telescope—one of the most-powerful next-generation telescopes.
- Make your own constellation and other fun children’s astro crafts.
- Plus, free sweet treats for the whole family!
Those who register in advance will receive a free space-themed gift!
Visitors learn about our history in the Hale Library during the annual Observatories Open House.
Family poses on the redshift carpet at the Carnegie Observatories Open House
A young Open House attendee looks through a telescope
Young Open House attendees participate in an activity
Observatories VR
People crowd around the Ask an Astronomer table at the Observatories' open house