COVID-19 UPDATE
|
Due to Washington State Public Health & Safety recommendations to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Observatory has limited operating hours and restricted visitation.
As of April 24th, 2021, Saturday and Sunday afternoon programs have resumed by appointment only. The 2 pm afternoon program provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the new Goldendale Observatory and take in a solar show featuring live telescope views of the Sun. Expanded hours beyond June are to be determined. Evening shows are currently unavailable but are expected to resume by late Summer 2021. The Microsoft Bookings calendar can be used to schedule your visit, and available dates are automatically removed as they become full. For more information, contact the Observatory at (509) 773-3141.
|
The pre-COVID-19 Schedule shown below is not in effect due to Washington State COVID restrictions. See above for current hours.
For the best experience and to ensure full staff availability, visiting at show times is highly recommended, and will avoid interruption of a presentation in progress.
|
Operating ScheduleApril - September
Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM Solar Program at 4:00 PM Evening Program at 8:30 PM October - March Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM Solar Program at 2:00 PM Evening Program at 6:00 PM |
|
SOLAR PROGRAM Understand our nearest star - the Sun! Daytime solar observation through specialized and safely -filtered Solar Telescopes are available during the afternoon Solar presentation. Show duration one to two hours. |
The Sun copyright Bob Yoesle
|
EVENING PROGRAM
Andromeda nebula M31 copyright Tim Wildoner
|
|
Evening presentations may include viewing through the telescopes of star clusters, the moon & planets, nebulae, and galaxies, as time and weather conditions allow.
Show duration approximately two to three hours. |
|
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Location & Driving Directions:
1602 Observatory Drive
Goldendale, WA 98620 USA
Latitude: 45 degrees 50 min 20.1 sec North
Longitude: 120 degrees 48 min 49.8 sec West
Elevation: 2100 feet
- Please Contact the Observatory to arrange visits for groups larger than 10.
- Respect fellow patrons by arriving for scheduled programs on time. Presentations and viewings will not restart nor be extended for late-comers and the facility will not remain open past closing.
- Objects viewed through facility telescopes may include those mentioned in "What's Up."
- Be sure to also check the Weather & Moon when making plans to visit.
- DRESS WARMLY, NO MATTER THE SEASON: The telescope domes are not climate-controlled and presentations often take place outdoors. Observatory Hill can be cold and windy, even in the summer.
- Admission is Free. However, a Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required to park on-site. These are available online and at all Washington State Parks, including the Observatory.
Location & Driving Directions:
1602 Observatory Drive
Goldendale, WA 98620 USA
Latitude: 45 degrees 50 min 20.1 sec North
Longitude: 120 degrees 48 min 49.8 sec West
Elevation: 2100 feet
From US-97:
- Once within Goldendale city limits, turn onto East Broadway St / Rt 142 (at the 76 service station). Proceed for 1 mile into town.
- At the flashing traffic signal, turn right onto N Columbus Ave. Proceed North for half mile.
- Follow the Observatory sign and keep right onto Observatory Drive. The Observatory is at the top of the hill.
PLEASE STAY ON THE PAVED ROAD
