Public Nights at the McCormick and Fan Mountain Observatories

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

The observatories are open on every first and third Friday night of each month for about 2 1/2 hours. Most public nights are held at the McCormick Observatory on the U.Va. grounds. Each spring and fall Public Nights are also held at the Fan Mountain Observing Station, 13 miles south of town. Each Public Night includes observing with all of the telescopes (weather permitting), slide shows, and tours of the Observatory. Groups (school children, church groups, etc.) can be accommodated earlier than the general public opening time. All faculty participate through a rotation schedule. (Contact: Phil Ianna; (804) 924-7494).

History of the McCormick Observatory

Public Night Schedule