See the sky at Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University

Perkins Observatory, located at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, is an active research and educational facility for the OWU Astronomy Department.

They host public programs that are family-friendly and interesting. Public programs consist of an orientation and safety talk, astronomy lecture, and tours of Perkins Observatory.

Programs include observing sessions, weather permitting, with the large telescope in the dome, as well as smaller ones on the lawn. They offer solar telescopes for use during daytime programs.

Friday Public Programs at Perkins Observatory

Public programs are held most Friday nights, except for holiday weekends and select weekends in the summer. Program content varies depending on sky conditions and other factors.

A program may include a planetarium-style show (on a flat screen), tours of the Observatory, and/or observing with the 32-inch Schottland Telescope and other ‘scopes. Observing with telescopes is never guaranteed, even with clear skies.

A limit of 60 people will be scheduled for each program. These often book up, so schedule yours in advance! Arrive before the program begins; late entry is not permitted as it disrupts the program.

2024 Dates and Times

Starting at 8 pm
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 1, 8, 15, 22
April 12, 19, 26

Starting at 9 pm
May 3, 10, 17, 31
June 7
For July, see “Celebration of the Sun”
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Starting at 8 pm
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22
December 6, 13

photo via NASA

Celebration of the Sun

In July, the sun sets too late for evening programs, and Perkins hosts late-afternoon activities to celebrate, talk about, and observe with special telescopes (weather permitting) the “day star,” the sun!

These daytime programs begin promptly at 2 P.M. 

July 20, 2024
July 27, 2024

General program information

In addition to the guided activities, you can explore the exhibits and library, and use of the computers with astronomy software.

See details about the public programs. Purchase tickets in advance – most events sell out. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door, if available. Call to see if tickets are available on the day of event.

Perkins Observatory
Ohio Wesleyan University
3199 Columbus Pike
Delaware, Ohio 43015
740-363-1257
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Planetariums and Astronomy: Celestial events and best places to see the stars

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