When: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025: Cosmology presentation at 7 p.m., telescope viewing at 8 p.m.
Where: Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory at the L. S. Skaggs Applied Science Building,
270 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Who: Open to the public, all ages welcome
What: After a hiatus, the University of Utah Department of Physics & Astronomy will host its first star party at its new home! The star parties are always free and scheduled every clear Wednesday night.
Expect to see galaxies, nebulae, stars, moons, planets, and clusters. Feel free to ask questions about the universe, science, and what you’re seeing. We may also offer lectures, demos, and special events during the star parties. We also try to open during important astronomical events so be sure to watch for the next lunar/solar eclipse, Mercury transit, or bright comet.
Follow the observatory website, Facebook and Instagram for live updates, including cancellations, parking information, astronomical events and more.
Send questions to observatory@physics.utah.edu.
What we expect from you:
- The events are outdoors—please dress appropriately for weather.
- Please refrain from operating the telescopes on your own—these are fragile, precision aligned instruments.
- Please be respectful to the staff and other visitors to the observatory.
- Please be sure to keep an eye on your children. Running, climbing or passing the guard rails is not allowed.