Dearborn Observatory is open for public viewing every Friday night from 9:00pm to 11:00pm (8 to 10 pm during the winter months). The sessions are free of charge, open to all, and are held "rain or shine." The first hour (9-10 pm in the summer or 8-9 pm in winter) is by RESERVATION ONLY. Anyone can make a reservation and there is no fee for small groups. Parties of 10 or more require a $100.00 deposit which will be refunded the night of their reservation. Private viewing sessions on other evenings are also available for a fee. The second hour is walk-in only and all are welcome. However, please note that space in the dome is limited. If we are very busy, it is possible that not everyone will be able to use the telescope (this is *very* rare). All visitors should note that the dome is neither heated nor air-conditioned so please dress appropriately. Unfortunately, the Dearborn is NOT ADA-accessible—several staircases must be climbed in order to reach the telescope. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (847) 491-3644 or visit our webpage at https://physics.northwestern.edu/about/dearborn-observatory/
Upcoming Events for Dearborn Observatory
November 2026
Nov
13
2026
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Nov
20
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Nov
27
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
December 2026
Dec
4
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Dec
11
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Dec
18
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Dec
25
2026
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
January 2027
Jan
1
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Jan
8
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Jan
15
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Jan
22
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Jan
29
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
February 2027
Feb
5
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Feb
12
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Feb
19
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Feb
26
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
March 2027
Mar
5
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Mar
12
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Mar
19
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Mar
26
2027
Fall/Winter Friday Nights at the Dearborn Observatory
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory, Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208