OBSERVATORY STATUS: We will be open tonight at 7pm. After 8pm will be best to come by for night sky though and we will also have an astronomy talk at 8pm. Clouds and cold will make sky viewing difficult tonight.
Updated: 4/17/24
We are open to the public Wednesday nights for observing when the weather is clear, and physics demos and talks when it's not clear. We offer scheduled visits for groups and schools also! Please use the email below for contact.
Email observatory@physics.utah.edu or message us on Facebook for any questions regarding tours, events, and star parties.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC58qcT1nxowNyaOdu9o4jUg
https://www.facebook.com/SouthPhysicsObservatory
https://www.instagram.com/uofu_southphysicsobservatory/
Be sure to check out our facebook page! See updates for new events with the department and special openings of the observatory! Click the "like" button on the right side of this page just above the pictures of space awesomeness.
Call 58-SPACE (587-7223) after 7:00pm on Wednesdays if you need help finding us while on campus. This number is not monitored outside of this time.
Observatory and Celestial Event Calendar
The South Physics Observatory located at the University of Utah offers FREE public star parties on CLEAR Wednesday nights. These are open to all ages, interests and groups and we do not require RSVP. During the visit, expect to see galaxies, nebulae, stars, moons, planets, and clusters. Feel free to ask questions about the universe, science, and what you're seeing. We may also offer lectures, demos, and special events during the star parties.
The events are outdoors so please dress appropriately for weather. We also try to open during important astronomical events so be sure to watch for the next lunar/solar eclipse, Mercury transit, or bright comet.
SPO can also offer assistance for those looking to learn to use telescopes for personal use, astrophotography, or for school/science fair projects. If you're looking to purchase a telescope and need help with all the choices, or if you're having trouble setting yours up, bring them to us and we may be able to help.
New Stuff
Come check out our new meteorite display!! We'll have it out for viewing during our normal star party times on Wednesdays.
