Observatory Status: Fall/Winter 2024

Public activities at the observatory are currently paused until spring. This decision is due to our limited number of volunteers available to lead stargazing groups and the unpredictability of winter weather.

Starting in March 2025, we will begin accepting reservations for private stargazing sessions, offered four nights a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). The first session is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025. Additionally, we will host monthly meetings for the Estes Valley Astronomical Society (EVAS) starting on Saturday, March 29, 2025, which will take place on the last Saturday of each month.

Private stargazing reservations for April, May, and June will open on March 1, 2025. Reservations for future months will be added throughout the summer and fall, but bookings will not be accepted more than three months in advance.

From April onward, reservations will be limited to a three-month window, ending in October 2025. To secure a stargazing date, please email your request following the instructions provided on the Schedule page of our website.

As a general rule, the observatory will close for two nights before a full moon and on the night of the full moon due to its brightness affecting visibility.

Currently, the observatory can accommodate up to 14 visitors in the viewing dome at a time, and we are operating with only two trained volunteers. We are actively seeking additional volunteers. As we grow our team, we will work to expand the number of available stargazing nights.

The observatory also welcomes school groups and youth organizations by special arrangement. For inquiries about large groups or special requests, please contact us directly

Welcome to the Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO) is a community resource dedicated to fostering the scientific education of children in Estes Park and serving as an educational venue for the community and visitors.   EPMO holds events throughout the year in conjunction with the local school system, the Estes Valley Astronomical Society, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The observatory schedules private and group viewing sessions and hosts educational lectures on astronomy, cosmology, astrophotography, and special astronomical events such as comet fly-bys and more! We also have fun ongoing projects like our Human Sundial Project. EPMO is currently offering opportunities for volunteers. Just contact us to get involved and learn about our sky along the way! Can’t help? Donate to our Estes Park Observatory and come visit anytime!

See our Schedule to book your viewing and/or see what is coming up soon!

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory Goals:

  • To interest kids K-12th grade in math, physics, and science.
  • To use astronomy as a tool to accomplish these goals.
  • To make learning a fun experience.
  • To promote critical thinking about really big things.

 

See more about our observatory equipment and learn more about the observatory.

Donations can now be made online to EPMO! Thanks to our past and future donors.