Hours for the Observatory
Calvin Observatory is open to the public on clear Wednesday evenings throughout the year (excepting only the last two weeks of December). All are welcome. Larger groups should call the observatory director (Prof. Larry Molnar, 526-6341) in advance. If in doubt about the weather, you may call the telescope dome directly at 526-6435.
Summer hours
During the summer, the observatory is only open on clear Wednesday evenings, and all are welcome. The dome opens one hour after sunset, and remains open until midnight. See the calendars below for sunset times.
Fall and spring semester
During the fall and spring semesters, the Observatory is open to Calvin students clear evenings Monday through Thursday, and to the general public on Wednesday nights. The dome opens at 7:30 pm or one half hour after sunset (whichever comes later), and remains open until 11 pm. See the calendars below for sunset times.
Christmas break
The observatory is closed over Christmas break: the last two weeks of December.
January
During January interim, the observatory is only open on clear Wednesday nights, and all are welcome. The dome is open from 7:30 to 11 pm.
Wheelchair access: Although the Calvin dome, constructed in 1969, is not accessible by wheelchair, we have portable telescopes. Viewing sessions will be arranged on request. Call the observatory director (Larry Molnar, 526-6341) to arrange time and place.
