Juniata College Observatory Nights

Juniata College hosts Observatory Nights throughout the year that are free and open to everyone. All ages are welcome, and no preregistration is required. Participants will be able to use the telescopes at the Juniata College Observatory to observe a variety of celestial objects, which will vary with the seasons.

The Observatory is "open house" style - come any time that the observatory is open (see below), and stay as long as you like.

Dates for Spring 2025
Total Lunar Eclipse Observation!
• Friday, March 14 from 2:00 to 3:30 am
       Yes, that is 2:00 am; late Thursday night/early Friday morning. 

Regular Observatory Nights
• Friday, March 28 – 9:00 to 11:00 pm CANCELED due to cloudy weather
• Friday, April 11 – 9:00 to 11:00 pm CANCELED due to cloudy weather
• Friday, April 25 – 9:00 to 11:00 pm CANCELED due to cloudy weather
• NEW!!! Friday, May 2 – 9:30 to 11:30 pm  ... to make up for all the canceled events this semester! CANCELED due to cloudy weather
• Friday, May 9 – 9:30 to 11:30 pm

Time
Come and go at any time during the event, as it is "open house" style.

Location
Observatory Nights will be held at the Paul E. Hickes Observatory on the Juniata College campus.

Directions
Download the Juniata College campus map. The Observatory is number 55 on the map, at the far left.

The Observatory is located behind Brumbaugh Academic Center. Follow Mifflin Street north until it ends one block past 18th Street. Park in the parking lot behind BAC, and walk up the hill to the Observatory. Follow the red lights!

Dress for the Conditions
The Observatory is outdoors and open to the elements. Please dress appropriately for the conditions.

Cancellations
The Observatory Night will be canceled in the event of clouds, rain, or snow. The decision to cancel will be made before 5 pm on the scheduled date. Cancellation of the Observatory Night will be announced at the top of this page (www.juniata.edu/observatory-nights) and also via Instagram @juniata_astronomy

Large Groups
If you would like to bring a large group (10 or more people) to the Observatory, please contact Matthew Beaky at 814-641-3550 or at beaky@juniata.edu about scheduling a Special Observatory Night for your organization.