Public Evening Tours at Lick Observatory
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.
A highlight of the tour will be visiting the dome of the 3-meter Shane Telescope to see the mountain’s largest telescope up close. After the walking tour, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the sunset, and the Gift Shop will be open. During twilight, a history lecture about James Lick and the construction of the observatory will be presented. Once the sky is dark (and weather permitting), viewing celestial objects through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor Telescope will commence. Insights will be provided throughout the evening on how we find planets beyond our solar system, how exploding stars teach us about the evolution of the universe, how we discern the nature of galaxies and black holes, how new technologies are used to undo the blurring effects of Earth’s atmosphere, and about Lick Observatory’s rich astronomical history and bright scientific future.
Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the tour. The event will last approximately 4 to 6 hours. Visitors should be prepared to walk about one mile during the evening, including taking stairs. Events are held rain or shine.
We wholeheartedly embrace the curiosity of children in astronomy and strive to foster their interest. However, due to the nature of our events, we advise that children be at least 12 years old to participate. We trust parents and caregivers to use their judgment in determining the suitability of purchasing a ticket for their child. Certain elements of the tour may not be feasible due to the event’s duration, late hours, and safety regulations for the telescope. If you have any questions please contact us: tickets@ucolick.org
Public Evening Tours in 2024
| Schedule of Events | ||
|---|---|---|
Friday |
May 3rd |
6:00pm |
Sunday |
May 5th |
6:00pm |
Friday |
May 10th |
6:00pm |
Saturday |
May 11th |
6:00pm |
Sunday |
May 12th |
6:00pm |
Friday |
May 31st |
6:00pm |
Sunday |
June 2nd |
6:30pm |
Friday |
June 7th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
June 9th |
6:30pm |
Thursday |
June 13th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
June 16th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
June 30th |
6:30pm |
Friday |
July 5th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
July 7th |
6:30pm |
Thursday |
July 11th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
July 14th |
6:30pm |
Thursday |
July 25th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
July 28th |
6:30pm |
Friday |
August 2nd |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
August 4th |
6:30pm |
Thursday |
August 8th |
6:30pm |
Sunday |
August 11th |
6:30pm |
Thursday |
August 22nd |
6:00pm |
Sunday |
August 25th |
6:00pm |
Friday |
September 6th |
6:00pm |
Sunday |
September 8th |
6:00pm |
Friday |
September 13th |
5:30pm |
Saturday |
September 21st |
5:30pm |
Sunday |
September 22nd |
5:30pm |
Sunday |
September 29th |
5:30pm |
Ticket Information
The Public Evening Tour is typically offered Sunday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer months to accommodate a variety of people’s schedules. Late arrivals for ticket holders can be accommodated until sunset, when the gate closes.
Tickets are priced at $75 with fees you pay $81.88 per person (capacity of max. 40 people on each tour).
Tickets always sell out fast!
Tickets will be available to the general public starting Wednesday April 17, 2024 at noon on Eventbrite. There is a limit of 4 tickets per customer.
- COVID-19 safety protocols may change according to the conditions in Santa Clara County and the University of California Santa Cruz policies to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. Ticket purchasers will be notified of the current safety protocols and masking rules shortly before the event.
- By purchasing a ticket, you agree to abide by the COVID policies in place at the time of the event.
Assistance
We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs), so we can make the necessary arrangements. Please note: Due to historic construction of the telescope domes, the 36-inch Refractor and the 3-m Shane telescopes are not wheelchair accessible at this time.
Driving to Lick Observatory
Please allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is good, but windy. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening. There are no automative services or gas stations for 20 miles, so please plan ahead. See more information on driving directions and parking here.
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