Entry No. 67 — the Boulder file — filed under: after-dark

Sommers-Bausch Observatory Friday Open Houses

On clear Friday nights during the CU school year, this campus observatory opens its rooftop observing deck and points its 20-inch telescopes at the moon, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. It is completely free, and cameras on the scopes throw the live views up onto big screens on the deck so you can compare what your eye sees with what the sensor catches. Sessions run loose and long, anywhere from one to three hours depending on the sky and the crowd's enthusiasm.

The move: Check the clear-sky status after 7:45pm, then head up to the observing deck and take turns peering through the 20-inch telescope at Saturn's rings or a distant nebula.

📍 Before you go Open houses are Friday at 8pm (9pm in summer), only when CU is in session and skies are clear; call 303-492-2020 after 7:45pm or check their socials for go/no-go.

• 📍 University Hill, Boulder
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 2429 Kittredge Loop Dr, 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