Observing Night: Friday May 30, 2025
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Observing Night: Friday May 30, 2025

History lecture & viewing through the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescope

By Lick Observatory

Date and time

Starts on Friday, May 30 · 8:30pm PDT

Location

Lick Observatory

7281 Mount Hamilton Road Mount Hamilton, CA 95140

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 2 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 3 hours
  • Free venue parking

Welcome to Observing Night


Come look through the telescope just like professional astronomers did in the 1800s and experience how they made ground-breaking discoveries within our universe!


Early arrivers will have the chance to learn more about history on a short, 20-minute guided tour around the main Visitor Center. The event starts after sunset with a lecture on the history of the observatory, exploring who is James Lick and how the observatory came to be constructed. Following, there will be 2 hours of observing through the Great Refractor telescope, including viewing of at least two objects.


This event will be approximately 3 to 4 hours long.

Learn more about Observing Night here!
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Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th.

General sales start on April 16th.

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PROGRAM

7:45 pm Doors Open

8:00 pm Optional Guided Tour of Visitor Center

8:30 pm History Lecture Beings

9:15 pm Observing Begins

Our Gift Shop will also be open from doors open until the start of the history lecture.


WEATHER

If weather conditions do not permit observing, the event will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund. We will aim to notify you at least 24 hours in advance. A final decision will be made by 3pm on the day of the event.


PLAN YOUR TRIP

Lecture will start promptly! Doors will close 15 minutes after observing begins.

Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 3-4 hours.

GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY

Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly.

There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose.

See more information on driving directions and parking here.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours.


ACCESSIBILITY

To view through the Great Refractor Telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few step stairs.

Due to the historic nature of the observatory, the telescope dome is not wheelchair accessible.

For special assistance, email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. We will do our best to make the most accommodations possible.

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold.


REFRESHMENTS

Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the evening. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase at the gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible.


SAFETY

We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings.

CONTACT US

If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org

Frequently asked questions

How many tickets can I buy?

TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO FOUR PER CUSTOMER. NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

Can I refund or exchange my ticket?

Tickets are refundable or exchangeable up to 48 hours before the event. If you request a refund, your ticket value will be refunded but not Eventbrite fees. If we cancel, you’ll receive a full refund.

How suitable is the event for younger children?

Children should ideally be at least 8 years old; parents are encouraged to use their discretion.

What about wheel chair users?

Due to the historic construction of the telescope domes, the telescope is not wheelchair accessible at this time.

What time should I plan to arrive?

Doors open 45 minutes before the lecture beings. The lecture will begin promptly so please arrive on time!

When is the latest that I can arrive? When do the doors close?

Doors will close to all ticket holders when observing begins. Please check the above event description for exact times. If you know you will be late, please email us at tickets@ucolick.org and we will do our best to try and accommodate you.

Are there accommodations for special assistance needs?

If you or a member of your group has difficulty with stairs, please contact us. We will do our best to make the appropriate accommodations.

Organized by

Lick Observatory
Evening with the Stars

Experience a Friday night to remember at Lick Observatory! Our Evenings with the Stars programs are held annually as part of our Summer Series. Each year we bring world-renowned astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the “stars” you won’t forget!

Music of the Spheres

Experience a Saturday night to remember at Lick Observatory! Each year Lick Observatory brings world-renown musicians and astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a musical night to remember.

Public Evening Tours

Our “behind the scenes” style 4 – 6 hour walking tour of Lick Observatory will start at the main building’s Visitor Center. Participants can learn about the unique history of the world’s first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory, the eccentric California pioneer James Lick, technology used for observing on different telescopes along the tour route, and current science being conducted at Lick Observatory.

Photography Nights at Lick Observatory

At the summit of Mt. Hamilton, above the city of San Jose, we have spectacular views of the night sky. Photographers can set up their camera equipment and/or telescopes to capture the exterior of the main building, the San Jose city lights, and stars in the night sky.

$55.20