Observatories

Star trails above Chaco Culture National Historical Park Observatory.    NPS

National Park Observatories

Did you know that the NPS has several astronomical observatories? These facilities allow visitors to experience unique education and interpretation opportunities.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Observatory

The Chaco Culture National Historical Park Observatory gives the public exceptional views of the night sky from its New Mexico location. Astronomy is an integral part of the park's interpretive programming that connects park resources to the celestial knowledge of the ancient Anasazi people who settled the area. Park lighting is retrofitted to keep skies dark and reduce light pollution, and star programs are anticipated attractions

Great Basin Observatory

Inaugurated in 2016, the Great Basin Observatory is the first NPS research-grade observatory to be based in a national park. Located in one of the darkest areas of the country at the border of Utah and Nevada, the observatory offers near pristine, unpolluted views of the night sky. The NPS observatory works with astronomy researchers across the country to advance our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Its telescopes can be remotely programmed to focus on any cosmic body or event, from little known debris clouds and planets to the Milky Way and solar eclipse.

Aurora Arc on Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park. NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Dusty Star Observatory - Glacier National Park

The Dusty Star Observatory opened in 2019 and was funded by the Glacier National Park Conservancy. The observatory is utilized by the park’s astronomical activities. With Glacier’s certification as an International Dark Sky Park, the observatory has an important role in giving visitors a unique interaction with the night sky. Located at the St. Mary Visitor Center, astronomers use the park's Dusty Star Observatory to help explore the cosmos. This observatory features a 20-inch telescope and astronomy camera to share views of the night sky with visitors watching on exterior television monitors. Traditional telescope viewing is available at both east and west sides of the park during the ranger-led astronomy programs in the summer.

Rock Creek Park Planetarium

The NPS Rock Creek Park Planetarium is another park venue that educates people about night sky phenomena and light pollution issues. Located within the Nature Center, it uses high-tech Spitz software to project the image of the night sky onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. Rangers lead visitors on a journey of exploration into the solar system, galaxy, and beyond. Monthly, evening stargazing programs are also offered and give information about the seasonal night sky.

Collaboration with Other Observatories

In addition to the above NPS based facilities, the Night Skies program partners with some of the most distinguished astronomical observatories in the world to share knowledge about the night sky, conduct research, and communicate these findings to the public. These facilities include: including McDonald (Texas), Palomar (California), Maunakea (Hawaii), Kitt Peak and Lowell (Arizona), Apache Point (New Mexico), and Adler Planetarium (Illinois).