Observatory Public Night
Public
Free Public Stargazing at our Astronomy Education Center
Come see the wonders of the heavens through our observatory telescopes, as well as through members’ personal scopes set up on the lawn.
Public observing nights are always free, but they are weather-dependent. Please check the NAA homepage or calendar on the day of the event for a go/no-go update—this will be posted by 2:00 PM.
Gate Schedule:
• 6:30 PM: Gates open for NAA members
• 7:00 PM: Gates open to the general public
This event is open to the public and free of charge.
Directions
To reach the Astronomy Education Center (AEC), home of the Riley and DuPage Valley Observatories, take the Springbrook entrance off Plainfield-Naperville Rd. Fork left at the end of the entrance road and follow the curve back to the far eastern side of the grounds. After dark, several signs with blue blinking lights mark the way.
Park at an angle around the triangle by the AEC, or straight in against the AEC’s fence (see the parking map below). On public nights, members with red lights will direct you to a spot.
The Springbrook grounds are secure, and only guests visiting the AEC may enter. Please follow all signs while on the property, and wait outside the gate until the scheduled start time unless you are with a keyholder.
Learn more about our observatories.