SF State Observatory

The SF State Observatory is a student-run facility open to all students, staff, and members of the public three nights per week during the school year when the skies are clear. 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? Come on by, and bring a friend!

Fall 2023 Public Open Nights

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights only!

How to get there:

   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 this semester:

Saturn and its rings (and its large moon Titan) will be visible most of the semester!  
Starting in October Jupiter (and four of its moons) will join in.

Bring your friends and help spread the word!