Whitin Nights
About once a month during the spring and fall semesters, Wellesley students and faculty open the Observatory to members of the public. Visitors are invited to take a tour, listen to talks, and (when clear) look through our 6-inch and 12-inch telescopes.
There is a unique theme for each public night, so be sure to come often to expand your knowledge of the universe!
Public nights are free and will be held regardless of weather conditions.
Children must be supervised by their grownups.
There is no parking at the Observatory. Visitors must park in the Davis Parking Facility and walk to the observatory. There are accessible parking spaces located behind the science center. You should set your navigation to the Davis Parking Facility to get directions to the garage.
Our historical 12-inch and 6-inch refracting telecopes and their domes require use of a handful of steps to access for viewing. Alternative night-sky viewing can be accomodated on clear nights with our outdoor telescopes.
Future Events (see previous events on Facebook)
Talks and activities happen at the scheduled time, rain or shine, and telescopic observing only if skies are clear.
Spring Public Nights:
- Friday, February 16, 2024, 7pm to 9pm - Women in Astronomy
- Friday, March 8, 2024, 7pm to 9pm - Solar System Spotlight (including upcoming solar eclipse)
- Friday, April 26, 2024, 8:30pm to 10:30pm - Into the Cosmos (including student research presentations)
Eclipse 2024
The Wellesley community will also be fortunate to experience the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024.