The SF State Observatory is a student-run facility open to all students, staff, and members of the public two or 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, planets, beautiful binary stars, star clusters, nebulae, and more. SF State students: need a study break? Drop by, and bring a friend! Bay Area residents: Is your kid interested in astronomy? Bring them by to look through our telescopes and talk to SF State astronomy and astrophysics majors! Recommended for ages 8 and up.
*** 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! ***
FALL 2026 PUBLIC OPEN NIGHTS
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAY NIGHTS
WHEN SKIES ARE CLEAR
| September 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 | 7:30 - 9:30 pm |
| October 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 30 | 7:00 – 9:30 pm |
| November 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, | 6:30 - 9:00 pm |
| December 2, 3, 4 | 6:30 - 9:00 pm |
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The observatory will be CLOSED for Veterans day, Wednesday, Nov 11. The observatory will be CLOSED during Fall Recess, November 23-27, 2026. The Observatory will be CLOSED the last week of classes (Dec 7-11). The LAST open public night (weather permitting) will be Friday, Dec 4, 2026. |
How can I find out if the weather is good and the observatory will be open?
For up-to-date information about whether the skies are clear and the Observatory is open, check our Instagram! SF State Observatory on Instagram Please note that in case of high winds the observatory may close even if skies are clear.
How do I 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.
What might I get to see if I visit the observatory in Fall 2026?
- Saturn and its large moon Titan!
- Venus in a crescent phase; September only
- Double star system Albireo in Cygnus (beautiful pair with contrasting colors); Sept/Oct
- Eta Cassiopeiae binary star system (twin of the Sun but with binary companion in a 472-year orbit!); Oct-Dec
- Andromeda galaxy (nearest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way; also known as M31); Oct-Dec
- A close-up view of the Moon and its many craters--whenever the Moon is up!
Visit Us
Thornton Hall, 10th Floor
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Questions & Inquiries?
Please contact Jim Gibson (Planetarium & Observatory Staff) at jimg@sfsu.edu or 415-338-6164.