Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Visitors to these daytime programs can view details of the sun through our special eyesafe solar filters. We are able to provide spectacular views through both white-light and hydrogen-alpha (0.6 Angstrom) filters. Visitors can inspect two different layers of the sun - the photosphere and the chromosphere. Depending on solar activity, guests will see sunspots (giant cooler areas on the sun's surface), solar prominences (huge flame-like eruptions), and solar flares (titanic explosions).  There is even the chance to telescopically view well-placed planets despite the daylight.

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: Saturday, 4/19/2014

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific

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

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  • Sunset Image
    Sunset: 7:49 PM
  • Waning Gibbous
    Moon
  • Sky Chart - click to enlarge
    What's in the Sky this evening?

Foothill Observatory Saturday Solar Observing Program

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".

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