Private Evening Optical Viewings

Join PARI tour guides for a 2 hour private evening optical viewing, which covers from 1-4 guests.  Groups over 4 purchase your ticket, then email programs@pari.edu for additional tickets.  More information about your tour will be in the confirmation email.

Come with your group just before dark and partner with a PARI astronomer for a guided journey through the sky as we show you the best the sky has to offer:

• Lunar Nights:  when the moon dominates we will explore its various terrains, craters, and Apollo landing sites as well as any other bright stars and objects in the night sky. On these moonlit nights come prepared to capture some spectacular images of the moon with your cell phone as we learn the basics of astrophotography.
• Starry Nights: when the nights darken in the moons absence we will dive into deep space objects like nebulae, galaxies and star clusters with the Milky Way visible overhead.

An assortment of telescopes will be waiting for you, each suited for viewing different types of objects.  Reflectors and refractors with mirrors from 5 inches to 25 inches will ensure that whether you’re aimed at the Moon or distant galaxies, you’ll get the telescope that captures it best.

Ask for our astrophotography package if you want a lesson on photographing what you see.  Lunar craters, star trails, and deep space objects can all be turned into lasting photos under the guidance of our professional staff.  Make sure to talk to us first about what type of camera you plan to bring so we can prepare.

Because this is typically an outdoor activity and viewing the sky depends on clear skies, sometimes Evening Viewings have to adapt to the changing weather.  If sky conditions do not allow viewing through a telescope, your viewing will be moved indoors for a planetarium show, and a learning session about how telescopes work, for part or all of your visit.  Viewings will not be cancelled or rescheduled.

Viewings take place adjacent to a building with restrooms and climate control.