McCormick Observatory Public Nights

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025 at 09:00 pm to Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 11:00 pm UTC-04:00

Leander McCormick Observatory | Charlottesville

UVA Department of Astronomy
Publisher/HostUVA Department of Astronomy
McCormick Observatory Public Nights
Advertisement
Visit the historical observatory to hear a presentation by an astronomer and look through the telescope!
About this Event

Visitors can view celestial objects through the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor and other smaller telescopes (weather permitting), tour the Observatory, hear a presentation by an astronomer, and see the exhibits. All faculty, postdocs and graduate students participate through a rotating schedule, so visitors will hear a unique talk each visit!


Event Photos
Event Photos

Accessibility Notice

Please note that the Observatory is not ADA accessible. There are steps leading to the entrance of the building, and rooms throughout the building are separated by one or two steps. In addition, the restroom is located at the bottom of a set of stairs. If you have questions about this, please contact us directly.

The dome room is a very large space where sounds can echo at high volumes, or words can be difficult to hear. The dome is moved by motors that can become loud. If someone in your group is hearing impaired or sensitive to loud noises, we suggest they come prepared with assistive devices.


Event Photos

Parking


Free onsite parking is available at the Observatory. There are four areas to park, either in gravel or in the grass. Please note, there is a private residence onsite. Please do not park in those spots. At the observatory, they are marked with "No Parking" signs.

From your parking spot, walk around the curve to the front of the Observatory, where you will be greeted by our staff. Your registration will be checked upon entry.



Other Items to Note


  • The dome room of the observatory is NOT climate controlled. Whatever the temperature is outside will most likely be the temperature in the dome room.
  • To limit light pollution in the area, there are no street lights along the road leading to the Observatory. Along with the trees, it might be difficult to see while driving.
  • Full-time UVA students do not need to register for public nights, even if the event is sold out.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Leander McCormick Observatory, 600 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Charlottesville

Guided Nature Hike
Wed, 01 Apr at 05:00 pm Guided Nature Hike

1730 Reservoir Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Wildflower Painted Glassware at the Blue Ridge Brushes Studio
Wed, 01 Apr at 06:00 pm Wildflower Painted Glassware at the Blue Ridge Brushes Studio

1110 E Market St #13h

Monthly Trivia!!!
Wed, 01 Apr at 06:15 pm Monthly Trivia!!!

3311 Worth Xing, Charlottesville, VA

Virginia Cavaliers vs. Florida State Seminoles
Wed, 01 Apr at 07:00 pm Virginia Cavaliers vs. Florida State Seminoles

Davenport Field at Disharoon Park

Milkman's Cocktail Class
Wed, 01 Apr at 07:30 pm Milkman's Cocktail Class

Dairy Market Charlottesville

TEST PVBC Bird Field Trip-- April Fool's Edition
Wed, 01 Apr at 10:30 pm TEST PVBC Bird Field Trip-- April Fool's Edition

Ivy Creek Foundation

Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Cavaliers Baseball
Thu, 02 Apr at 07:30 am Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Cavaliers Baseball

Davenport Field

Autism Awareness Day
Thu, 02 Apr at 07:45 am Autism Awareness Day

3201 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA, United States, Virginia 22901

Fine Art + Flowers: VIP Exhibition Preview Party & Fundraiser
Thu, 02 Apr at 05:30 pm Fine Art + Flowers: VIP Exhibition Preview Party & Fundraiser

Second Street Gallery

Georgia\u2019s Friends Presents: A Night of Film & Purpose
Thu, 02 Apr at 06:00 pm Georgia’s Friends Presents: A Night of Film & Purpose

The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville

Albemarle County's Community Budget Town Hall at Albemarle High School
Thu, 02 Apr at 06:00 pm Albemarle County's Community Budget Town Hall at Albemarle High School

Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Charlottesville is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Charlottesville Events