Estes Park Memorial Observatory

ESTES PARK OBSERVATORY EVENT CALENDAR

We no longer do online reservations. Because of limited volunteers, we are open just four nights a week: Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. We are only accepting individuals that are in compliance with CDC recommendations regarding Covid vaccinations (primary series + a booster) or have medical conditions exempting them from the vaccination. We are not requiring proof of vaccinations but trust that visitors will comply  with the restrictions.   If you wish to reserve a date for a visit: First check out the calendar below to see if there are any open dates or dates you can fit into without exceeding the 12 people limit. Then you need to answer the following questions via either email (info@AngelsAbove.org) or call the observatory (970-586-5668):

What is the date you wish to book?
What other dates are you available?
How many adults (13 & older)?
How many children (12 & under)?
A phone where you can be reached in Estes?
Where is your hometown?
Your request will be processed via email in the order received.

We are not taking reservations more than three months out. Currently, we are booking dates in June, July and August. On the 1st of July we will add September to the schedule.  As conditions improve we hope to be able to accommodate more visitors. We are also doing our best to recruit more volunteers which directly affects our ability to host stargazing groups.

The total group size (the sum of all the numbers in the parentheses for the date) needs to be limited to 12 people because of the number of people that can fit in the dome.

Look out for these recurring astro events at EPMO and in the Estes Park area.
Click to read more about these events:
– Open House at EPMO –
– Rocky Mountain National Park Astronomy Programs –
– EPMO and EVAS Monthly Meeting –

More Info about Private Viewing Sessions at EPMO

The EPMO is available for private viewing sessions (individuals or small groups up to 20). We prefer scheduling such sessions from the form above but many times we have last minute openings. Please call 970-586-5668 to see if you need information about an opening on short notice. The observatory is funded by donations and staffed by unpaid volunteers; contributions for private viewing sessions are greatly appreciated and help keep our doors open. Please allow up to one week for us to get back to you with a confirmation as we coordinate with our staff.

Observatory Open House Nights 

Due to the current Corona Virus Pandemic, the Open House Nights have been suspended until further notice.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

The observatory open house nights are conducted by volunteers of the EPMO and are free to all . The evening starts with a tour of the facility and an introduction to the night’s viewing with a demonstration of the observatory star wall. We discuss objects that we will later view with the telescope and point out their locations on our star wall. Depending on the number of visitors, we may also set up telescopes outside the observatory to supplement the main telescope in the dome. Of course the viewing is dependent on the night sky and if it is unfavorable we can show educational videos in our warm room.

The Open Viewing Nights for 2020 are:

• Saturday,  June 13th, 2020, 8:30 pm
• Saturday, June 27th, 2020, 8:30 pm
• Saturday, July 11th, 2020, 8:30 pm
• Saturday,  August 22nd, 2020, 8:30 pm

Rocky Mountain National Park Astronomy Programs

Due to the current Corona Virus Pandemic, the Astronomy in the Park program has been suspended until further notice.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Rocky Mountain National Park Astronomy Link

Observe the night sky with the help of a park ranger and expert volunteer astronomers. Rocky Mountain National Park offers weekly Astronomy in the Park programs from June through August. A traditional astronomy program is conducted in Upper Beaver Meadows every other week and includes a 20 to 30 minute interpretive presentation by park rangers followed by a night of observing put on by local astronomers and park volunteers. Dress warm, bring binoculars and a flashlight, and meet at the Upper Beaver Meadows Trail-head parking area.

“The 2020 Dates for the Traditional Viewing Program are:”

• Friday, June 19th & 26th
• Friday, July 10th & 17th
• Friday, August 14th & 21st

Every other week, “The Story Behind the Moon & the Stars” program will incorporate star lore and activities for families. The program will include a constellation tour and viewing with binoculars, naked eye, and possibly telescopes. This program will take place at the Moraine Park Visitor Center in the RMNP and will last approximately 1 & 1/2 hours.

Stories Behind the Moon & Stars

• schedule coming later TBD

Night Sky Festival  Three days of fun activities, speakers, programs and night sky viewing. Event is scheduled for TBD. Start times for this program have not yet been set.

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This month EPMO & EVAS  Astronomy Lecture

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO) in conjunction with the Estes Valley Astronomical Society (EVAS) holds a joint meeting every month that features a lecture on an astronomy topic followed by a viewing session. The meetings start at 7:PM and open with a short discussion of the current EVAS business. A short presentation about a star currently visible in the night sky precedes the formal lecture for the evening. Invited speakers who work in the field of astronomy or aerospace generally give the lectures.

Estes Park Clear Sky Chart

Estes Park Sky Map (SkyMaps.com)

What’s Up for May 2021 From NASA JPL

The Skies over Colorado April 2021 by John Ensworth