Entry No. 60 — the Boulder file — filed under: after-dark

Sommers-Bausch Observatory Friday Open House

Up on the observing deck behind Fiske, CU astronomy students swing the observatory's 20-inch telescopes toward the Moon, planets, nebulae and distant galaxies for anyone who shows up. Open houses run most Fridays when classes are in session, starting at 9 p.m. in summer once daylight saving stretches the dusk, and they only happen when the sky is actually clear. It is completely free, and a session can stretch one to three hours depending on the seeing.

The move: Climb to the rooftop deck after dark and take turns at the big 20-inch scope, letting a student astronomer talk you through whatever planet or galaxy is up that night.

📍 Before you go Friday nights only when CU is in session and skies are clear; call 303-492-2020 after 7:45 p.m. or check their socials at 7 p.m. for go/no-go. Free, no reservation.

• 📍 CU Boulder campus, Boulder
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80309

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-23