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Chabot Weather & Viewing Conditions   Check our weather station for latest weather conditions. Viewing conditions are posted here on Friday & Saturday evenings.  Chabot Weather Station

Chabot's observatory domes glow against the San Francisco skyline. (Photo by Carter Roberts)

Free Telescope Viewing

Regular hours are every Friday & Saturday evening, weather permitting:

> 7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Come for spectacular night sky viewing – the best kept secret in the Bay Area – and see the magnificence of our telescopes in action!

Members-Only Viewings

Membership at the Neptune, Saturn or Jupiter levels has its privileges - including monthly private viewings in which members receive one-on-one star-gazing tips from Chabot's astronomers. Become a Chabot member or renew your membership now by clicking here or by calling (510) 336-7398.

Daytime Telescope Viewing

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons come view the sun, moon, or Venus through Chabot's telescopes. Free with General Admission.
(weather permitting)

>12pm - 5pm: Observatories Open
>1pm - 4pm: Observe the sun, moon or Venus

Click here for a description of our daytime solar viewing offerings.

Special Closings Info

About Chabot's Telescopes

Chabot's new 36" reflector, named Nellie, is housed in a rolling roof observatory, allowing access to 180 degrees of sky. This modern, research-quality telescope offers breathtaking views of the cosmos.

The impressive 20" telescope, named Rachel, is the largest refractor in the western United States regularly open to the public. Its companion, the 8" Alvan Clark refractor, named Leah, is the original 1883 instrument donated by founder Anthony Chabot.

Check out our Observatory Cam.

Also check out our list of favorite astronomical objects for public viewing nights. 

Visit our interactive Sky Calendar for day-by-day tips on what to look for in the sky.

Learn more about Chabot's telescopes and view astrophotos in the Virtual Science Center.

The observatories at Chabot Space & Science Center are located 37.819 degrees North latitude and 122.182 degrees West longitude.