Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the solar system and universe beyond through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

The public viewing programs at Foothill are free of charge and are open to guests of all ages.  Please note that the observatory is closed when the weather is cloudy.

Visitor parking permits are available from the machines in the parking lots for $3.00.

Date: Friday, 5/16/2014

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM Pacific

Location: Foothill College Observatory, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos, CA

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  • Sunset Image
    Sunset: 8:14 PM
  • Waning Gibbous
    Moon
  • Sky Chart - click to enlarge
    What's in the Sky this evening?

Information for Visitors:

Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views of objects in our solar system may include craters and mountains on the moon, the moons and cloud-bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, etc. The choice of targets for any evening's viewing depends on the season and what objects are currently in the sky.

On clear, dark, moonless nights, the telescopes give visitors views into the deeper reaches of space. Star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies provide dramatic demonstrations of the vastness of the cosmos.

The public viewing programs at Foothill are free of charge and are open to guests of all ages. Please note that the observatory is closed when the weather is cloudy. Also note that visitor parking permits are available from the machines in the parking lots for $3.00 (as of January 2012).  Please do not park in spaces marked "Staff" or you will be ticketed.

Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!

Foothill Observatory Friday Evening Programs

Location Details

Foothill College Observatory
Observatory located on the Foothill Community College campus. 16" telescope, h-alpha and white light solar telescopes.

12345 El Monte Road

Los Altos, CA

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Foothill College Observatory

Notes:
Park in lot 4 next to the observatory, or if lot 4 is full, park in lot 3 and walk up the hill to the observatory. Space in lot 4 may be limited.
Parking costs $3; do not park in spaces marked "Staff".

UPCOMING EVENTS