Entry No. 48 — the Seattle file — filed under: after-dark

Theodor Jacobsen Observatory

Tucked about 100 yards inside UW's north campus entrance, this 1895 sandstone observatory is the second-oldest building on campus and still opens its dome to the public on first and third Tuesday evenings, April through September. The star is its original Brashear 6-inch refractor, older than the building itself, that volunteer student astronomers swing onto planets, the moon, and double stars when the famously stubborn Seattle clouds cooperate. Each free open house pairs an evening talk with hands-on telescope time and small-group tours up into the dome (capped at 12 at a time).

The move: Reserve a free pair of tickets for a clear-forecast Tuesday open house, walk the quiet north campus at dusk, then take turns at the eyepiece of the 1890s refractor while a grad student narrates what you're seeing.

📍 Before you go Free but ticketed on Eventbrite; runs first/third Tuesdays April-September only; dome opens weather-permitting; pay parking in adjacent UW lot N5.

• 📍 University District, Seattle
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 4324 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — 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 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24