Public Star Parties

The UNT Outreach Observatory is open to the general public the first Saturday of every month.  Open House begins thirty minutes after sundown. 

The Observatory will be closed in the event of inclement weather and/or cloudy skies.

For large groups, please make a reservation with skytheater@unt.edu.

Private Star Parties

A private visit to the UNT Outreach Observatory includes:

• A multimedia indoor presentation about the night sky.
• A guided tour of the evening sky including a free star chart per person.
• Telescope observing.

Ask us about Solar Observing Parties!

Number of Guests

The Observatory has a maximum capacity of 50.  If your group is larger, arrangements for separate star parties may be necessary.

Fee Schedule for Groups 

The Observatory charges $10.00 per adults (age 12 and up) and $8 per child for each private star party.  There is a minimum charge of $100 for groups with a $25 non-refundable deposit.  All fees must be paid by cash, check, IDO, or PO payable to Sky Theater at UNT; credit cards cannot be accept on or before the date of the star party.

How to Schedule

Reservations can be made by calling our astronomy coordinator at 940-369-8213 or sending an e-mail to skytheater@unt.edu. You are encouraged to register as far in advance as possible.  The observatory program requires approximately an hour and a half of time.  Before making a reservation please have the following information available:

• Your organization, contact name, E-mail address, fax number, and phone number
• Age level and the total number of people that will be attending.
• Preferred date and time
• At least one alternate date and time

New Location!

Our outreach observatory has moved to the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center on Tom Cole Road. 

Click here for a map and directions to the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center.

Astronomy Students Only:

Transportation is provided for observatory labs only.  Students will not be allowed into the observatory facilities in private vehicles.  Observatory vans leave from the Fouts Field East Stop.  Students may park at Fouts Field after 5pm without a permit.  UNT transportation will leave Fouts field 15 minutes before the designated lab time.  Transportation is first-come, first-served.  Come early to ensure your seat. 

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