Lookout Observatory is dedicated to helping community members of all ages and interest levels understand and enjoy astronomy. UNC Asheville and the Astronomy Club of Asheville host events at the observatory that are open to the public, as well as scheduled visits for schools and other organized groups. Join us at our next event or contact us if you are interested in scheduling a group event.
Next Public Stargaze: Friday, November 22nd
We invite community members to join us after dusk to view a wide variety of celestial objects using the observatory’s telescopes. If we are unable to proceed due to bad weather, we will hold a backup event the next night.
Registration
Registration for this stargaze will open Thursday, September 19th at 5pm. To register, please go to our registration page.
Parking
Please park in the Reuter Center lot (P10) on UNC Asheville’s campus (campus map). Shuttles will run at regular intervals to transport people to and from the observatory.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available at the observatory. If you will require its use, please contact us after you have registered so we can make the proper arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Because observatory events may be impacted by the weather, always check the homepage two hours prior to the beginning of the stargaze to ensure the sky will be clear and the observatory will be open. If a Friday viewing is postponed, the backup day will be the following Saturday, and your reservation will still be valid for the backup date. Further details regarding the rescheduling, including parking and shuttle information, will be included with the postponement information.
Weather Conditions
During public stargazes, the observatory becomes an outdoor, open-air facility. Please dress appropriately for being outside an extended period of time. In the winter, wear warm clothes with several layers to ensure you enjoy your stargazing experience.
Group Events
If you would like to schedule your group for an event, please contact Lookout Observatory by emailing lookout@unca.edu.
Special Events
The universe is constantly in motion, which means there is always something in the sky to view. Check this page regularly for details about special events, or like Lookout Observatory’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming events. We love to watch comets, eclipses, and other celestial events!