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FRIENDS OF GOLDENDALE OBSERVATORY
  • Home
  • History
  • Visit
    • What's Up
    • Weather and Moon
    • Telescopes
    • FAQ
  • Education
    • Music & Videos
    • Eclipses
    • Atmospheric Phenomena
    • The Sun
    • Night Sky
    • Links

Visit Goldendale Observatory

THE OBSERVATORY IS CLOSED DECEMBER 24 & 25 AND JANUARY 1.

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Observatory Operating Schedule:

OPEN - Friday through Sunday
​

Daytime:   2 – 4 p.m.
Evenings:   7 – 10 p.m.

​Please arrive by the start of each program.

​
CLOSED - Monday through Thursday

Groups of 5 or fewer may drop in and SHOULD NOT make an appointment.

For groups of 6 or more you MUST register online to attend either of these programs.

A Washington State Parks Discover Pass required to park on-site. A $10 one-day parking pass is also available on-site which is good for any Washington State Park.
​For more information contact the Observatory at (509) 773-3141, or click the button below.
state park website
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For the best experience and to ensure full staff availability, visiting at the start of program times is highly recommended, and will avoid interruption of a presentation in progress.

Operating Schedule

April - September
​​Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday 
Solar Program at 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Evening Program at 9:00 PM - midnight

October - March
​Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Solar Program at 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Evening Program at 7:00 - 10:00 PM


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DAYTIME​​
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.
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The Sun Bob Yoesle

EVENING PROGRAM

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Andromeda nebula M31 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:
  • Please Contact the Observatory to arrange visits for groups larger than 5.​
  • 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.
  • Animals, including pets and emotional support companions, are not permitted to enter the building. Trained service animals are permitted upon satisfactory clarification of training as per State and Federal regulations.
  • 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
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 From US-97:
  1. Once within Goldendale city limits, turn onto East Broadway St / Rt 142 (at the 76 service station).  Proceed for 1 mile into town.
  2. At the flashing traffic signal, turn right onto N Columbus Ave.  Proceed North for half mile.
  3. 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
​


​Friends of Goldendale Observatory
PO Box 899
Goldendale WA 98620
​

All Rights Reserved 2023​



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  • Home
  • History
  • Visit
    • What's Up
    • Weather and Moon
    • Telescopes
    • FAQ
  • Education
    • Music & Videos
    • Eclipses
    • Atmospheric Phenomena
    • The Sun
    • Night Sky
    • Links