Telescope looking into the night sky
Observatory dome in the night sky
Researcher setting up portable telescope for 2 kids and father to look into
Observatory at UM-Dearborn
Open observatory dome with orange light escaping the dome against night sky

UM-Dearborn Observatory

Advancing knowledge of astronomy through education, outreach and research.

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Public Nights at the Observatory

Observatory Logo

Weather permitting, our last session of the season will be held on:

October 25 from 7:30 to 9:30pm

  

 

 

 

Public nights allow visitors to experience the wonder of the night sky using the Observatory's telescopes with the help of the Observatory's staff of astronomers. Learn about the Moon, the planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies and see them yourself through our telescopes. 
•    Observing sessions require suitable sky conditions. To learn the status of any event, check the Observatory's home page beginning one hour before the event.  Inclement weather or other unforeseen adverse circumstances may cause the cancellation of a scheduled event. Please arrive no later than one half hour before the scheduled end of the session. 
•    All sessions are free and open to the public. These events are family friendly, but best suited to children over the age of 5. 
•    Observing sessions are primarily held outdoors. Please dress appropriately for personal comfort during your visit.
•    The Observatory is located on the main campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, in the Science Learning and Research Center (SLRC). Park in the parking lot behind the SLRC (Parking Lot A) and enter the building through the west door. Take the elevator to the third floor, and turn left to go through the double doors to the observing deck.

We at the University of Michigan - Dearborn Observatory believe that everyone should have a basic understanding of astronomy in order to appreciate the beauty and complexity of our Universe.

Since ancient times, mankind has looked to the heavens and told stories to explain the wonders of the night sky. Astronomy tells the scientific story of the Universe, the story that seeks to explain all celestial phenomena, from the phases of the Moon and the orbits of the planets, to the birth and death of stars and the beginning and end of the Universe.

Astronomy teaches us both that we are seemingly insignificant in the vastness of space, and that with the application of human intellect we can answer some of the most fundamental questions of science - how the Universe was born, how the elements that make the Earth came to be, and whether we are alone in the Universe.

The Observatory's goals include:

  • Providing educational and research opportunities in astronomy to students at University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford College
  • Promoting science literacy through K-12 Outreach Programs
  • Advancing the general knowledge of astronomy through public outreach events

Science Learning Research Center

University of Michigan - Dearborn Observatory - Science Learning and Research Center
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
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