Events

Except for public events, the observatory is CLOSED to the public and students!

See the calendar for public events. See below for details on public events and private events.

Public Events

Texas A&M Public Viewing Nights, REGISTRATION REQUIRED

  • View the night sky through our 20-inch telescope and other observatory telescopes
  • To register:
    • Go to ers.tamu.edu
    • Create an account (or log into your TAMU NetId)
    • Search for "Observatory Public Viewing Night" in the Events List
    • Or click on the registration link in the Google Calendar above
  • Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and read our outdoor preparedness guide

Brazos Valley Astronomy Club Public Meeting

  • (Nearly) every 3rd Friday of the month, starting at 7:30pm. Check the meeting page.
  • 1-hour guest speaker
  • Club meeting, outreach discussions
  • Outdoor star party! View the skies through our 20" telescope, other attendees' personal telescopes, and feel free to bring your own!

Private Events

If you would like to organize a private event, please email ecook@tamu.edu.

Private events can be held for:

  • Grade school field trips
  • Texas A&M clubs and departments
  • Other university clubs and departments
  • Chartered clubs and organizations
  • Companies

Private events cannot be held for:

  • Birthday parties or other celebrations
  • A small group of friends or date night

Considerations for your events:

  • Maximum attendance: The observatory site can host up to 30 people.
  • Arriving: The observatory is at the end of a 0.7-mi gravel road, which normal cars and passenger vans can easily drive, but large buses cannot due to some sharp turns.
  • Parking: Our parking lot is gravel/grass/mud and can hold about 30 cars.
  • Food / Drink: Visitors are welcome to bring water, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Not too much food please!
  • Outdoor preparedness: Check out our outdoor preparedness guide.
  • Activities: After astronomical twilight begins, visitors can view objects in our small personal telescopes as well as line up to see planets and star clusters through our main viewing telescope. We also have a large classroom space for indoor activities and presentations.