Your Own Star Night!
Science classes, company parties, church groups, scout troops, individuals – anyone can schedule a private event at the Little Thompson Observatory. A private night for you and your group gives you exclusive access to the 18 inch telescope and other LTO resources. One or more volunteers will be available to help acquaint you with the night sky and to operate the telescope.
Every effort will be made to ensure that your visit will be a memorable one. In the event of inclement weather (clouds, snow, rain), we have a variety of presentations and movies, and can teach your group about the Constellation Wall. We can also demonstrate the telescope with the dome closed. There is no charge for use of the facility, but we always welcome donations to keep the LTO operating!
Schedule Your Visit
To reserve a night, go to our Calendar of Events, select the night you want, and fill out the form provided below the calendar. We may, from time to time, book multiple appointments during the same time slot, but will so indicate on the calendar. All days without a visible status are available for reservation requests. To see if a desired date has a group scheduled in the morning, simply click on the date and a pop-up window will provide details. If there is a morning group, you can still request an evening appointment on the same day.
Please allow at least one week to get the appropriate volunteers scheduled for your visit. If you want to visit us in daytime, please give us two weeks prior notice to schedule your visit. Groups larger than 30 require special consideration.
The Little Thompson Science Foundation reserves the right to refuse observatory access to anyone.
Note: The High School teaches Astronomy Class this semester on Mondays from 6pm -10pm at LTO. If you absolutely need to visit us on a Monday, you may not be the only group at the observatory that evening. Otherwise, select a different date.
Note: In July we are closed for annual maintenance.
