The Dearborn Observatory is open for public observing with the historic 18.5-ich refracting telescope every Friday night from 9 to 11 p.m.
The Friday night observation tours at the Dearborn Observatory are open to the public, and there are two hours open for visiting:
During spring and summer the 9-10 p.m. hour is for groups with reservations. From 10 to 11 p.m., walk-ins are welcome.
There is no fee for the Friday night observation hour, however reservations made for a group of 10 or more may require a refundable deposit which will be returned on the night of the visit. Anyone who would like to make a reservation or need information about viewing may call the Dearborn Observatory at 847-491-7650.
The dome does not have heat or air conditioning, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately. Friday night tours are held “rain or shine,” although of course cloud cover affects viewing. Tours are hosted by Ph.D. students and/or undergraduate students majoring in Physics & Astronomy. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions.
Unfortunately, the Dearborn Observatory is not ADA-accessible. Several staircases must be climbed in order to reach the telescope.