The SF State Observatory is a student-run facility open to all students, staff, and members of the public three nights per week in fall and spring semesters. With the aid of observatory docents, visitors use telescopes to look at craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, giant star clusters, nebulae created by dying stars, the Andromeda galaxy, and much more. Need a study break? Drop by, and bring a friend!
*** The Observatory is open ONLY when skies are clear! Please see SF State Instagram to check if we are closed due to poor weather conditions! ***
Spring 2025 Public Open Nights
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, WHEN SKIES ARE CLEAR.
| February 10 - March 7 | 6:30 – 9:00 pm |
| March 10 - 21 | 7:30 – 9:30 pm |
| April 2 - 30 | 8:00 - 9:30 pm |
| May 2 - 9 | 8:15 - 9:30 pm |
|
CLOSED for Spring Break and Cesar Chavez Day: March 24 - 31 The LAST open public night in Spring 2025 is Friday, May 9, 2025. |
How to get to the observatory
- Take the elevator to the 9th floor of Thornton Hall.
- Find the stairwell close to the elevator.
- Walk to the top of the stairs.
- The door to the observatory will be on your LEFT.
Weather updates
For up-to-date information about whether the skies are clear and the Observatory is open, check Instagram: SF State Observatory on Instagram
Highlights for Spring 2025
Venus! (February only) -- see Venus in a crescent phase... like the Moon
Jupiter and Mars (all semester!) -- don't miss Jupiter's moons!
Andromeda galaxy (February and early March) -- 2.5 million light years away!
Orion Nebular star-forming region (February and March) -- a stellar nursery in the Milky Way
Visit Us
Thornton Hall, 10th Floor
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Questions & Inquiries?
Please contact Jim Gibson (Astronomy Laboratory, Planetarium, and Observatory Technician) at jimg@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-6164.