|
Observatory Operating Schedule:
OPEN - Thursday through Sunday Daytime: 3 – 5 p.m. Evenings: 9 p.m. – to midnight. CLOSED - Monday through Wednesday 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.
|
On Sunday, May 15th, a total lunar eclipse is visible across the lower 48. Moonrise in Goldendale is at approximately 8:22 pm, and the eclipse ends at 11:52 pm. Goldendale Observatory will start its regularly scheduled evening program 1 hour early at 8 pm, and will stay open per usual until Midnight to observe his event. More details about the eclipse can be found here.
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 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 |
|
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. |
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 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
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
