Observatory Public Night Program


Public Night Info line: (434) 243-1885


Purpose


To provide the public with a chance to observe the stars and planets through the McCormick telescopes and to educate the public concerning the research work and history of the observatories.

Brief Description


Each public night includes observing with all of the telescopes (weather permitting), audio-visual presentations, museum exhibits, and tours of the Observatory. All faculty and graduate students participate through a rotating schedule. Call the info line for more information at (434) 243-1885.

McCormick Public Nights


Leander McCormick Observatory is open on the first and third Friday night of each month (except holidays) for 2 hours. McCormick Observatory is located on the western edge of the UVa grounds. Call the info line for more information at (434) 243-1885.

Fan Mountain Public Nights


Note: There are no tickets remaining for the upcoming April 24th Fan Mountain Public Night.
Each April and October (click for exact dates for this year), a special public night is held at the Fan Mountain Observing Station (located 13 miles south of town at the end of a gravel road off of US-29 ). Tickets, which are free, are required for Fan Mountain public nights (except for Friends of the Leander McCormick Observatory). Send a self-addressed stamped envelope, along with the number of tickets requested (up to 6), to:

PLEASE NOTE: There are no more tickets available for the April 24th Fan Mountain Public Night. The next Fan Mountain Public Night will be in October; tickets will be available after September 1st. 


  Fan Mountain Public Night 
  P.O. Box 400325
  Charlottesville, VA 22904-4325

A self-addressed stamped envelope MUST be enclosed or tickets cannot be sent.

Friends of the Leander McCormick Observatory do NOT need tickets for Fan Mountain Public Nights, they should simply bring their membership card up the mountain with them.

Group visits


The Leander McCormick Observatory is open to Educational Groups with ADVANCE RESERVATIONS on the SECOND and FOURTH Friday night of the month. Groups MUST call 924-7494 to schedule a visit. Group nights are reserved quickly; it is advisable to reserve a group night up to several months in advance.
Owing to the demand for tickets, groups cannot be accommodated at Fan Mountain.

Groups can contact the Astronomy Department at (434) 924-7494, or by email at jdh7h@virginia.edu.