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Visit

  • Sunset over Lick Observatory with open domes. Photo by Laurie Hatch.

2021 Public Evening Tours Scheduled
Starting August 1st, Lick Observatory will offer limited access to our facility and telescopes via the Public Evening Tours.
Our upcoming Public Evening Tours will have the following COVID-19 requirements.
  • Starting August 3rd, all visitors to Lick Observatory will be required to wear a face mask while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
  • All guests must fill out the UC Santa Cruz COVID Daily Symptom Check either online before arrival at the observatory or via a paper form upon arrival and before the start of the event. You will receive more information regarding this COVID-19 requirement in a separate communication prior to the event.
  • By purchasing a ticket, you agree to abide by these policies.


Public Evening Tours at Lick Observatory

 

Our "behind the scenes" style 4 - 6 hour walking tour of Lick Observatory will start at the main building's Visitor Center. Participants can learn about the unique history of the world’s first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory, the eccentric California pioneer James Lick, technology used for observing on different telescopes along the tour route, and current science being conducted at Lick Observatory.

A highlight of the tour will be visiting the dome of the 3-meter Shane Telescope to see the mountain’s largest telescope up close. After the walking tour, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the sunset, and the Gift Shop will be open. During twilight, a history lecture about James Lick and the construction of the observatory will be presented. Once the sky is dark (and weather permitting), viewing celestial objects through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor telescope will commence. Insights will be provided throughout the evening on how we find planets beyond our solar system, how exploding stars teach us about the evolution of the universe, how we discern the nature of galaxies and black holes, how new technologies are used to undo the blurring effects of Earth’s atmosphere, and about Lick Observatory’s rich astronomical history and bright scientific future.

Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the tour. The event will last approximately 4 to 6 hours. For safety reasons and due to late hours, children under the age of 8 cannot participate; this event is recommended for ages 12 years and up. Visitors should be prepared to walk about one mile during the evening, including taking stairs. Events are held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewings, but other activities will still take place. Due to historic construction of telescope domes and safety concerns, the telescopes are not wheelchair accessible at this time. Those having difficulty navigating stairs may also find the telescopes inaccessible.

Tickets are priced at $75 per person (capacity of max. 30 people on each tour), available starting July 30th at noon on ucsctickets.com. The tours are expected to sell out quickly. The Public Evening Tour is typically offered Sunday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer months to accommodate a variety of people’s schedules. Late arrivals for ticket holders can be accommodated until sunset, when the gate closes.

Our upcoming Public Evening Tours will have the following COVID-19 requirements.

  • Masks will be required at all times.
  • All guests must fill out the UC Santa Cruz COVID Daily Symptom Check either online before arrival at the observatory or via a paper form upon arrival and before the start of the event. You will receive more information regarding this COVID-19 requirement in a separate communication prior to the event.


Public Evening Tours in 2021:

Series 2: SOLD OUT
Friday, August 13th, 6:30 pm
Thursday, August 19th, 6:00 pm
Tuesday, September 14th, 5:30 pm
Thursday, September 16th, 5:30 pm
Friday, September 17th, 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 25th, 5:30 pm

Series 1: SOLD OUT
Sunday, August 1st, 6:30 pm
Thursday, August 5th, 6:30 pm
Sunday, August 8th, 6:30 pm
Sunday, August 15th, 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 29th, 6:00 pm
Thursday, September 9th, 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 12th, 5:30 pm
Thursday, September 23rd, 5:30 pm
Sunday, September 26th, 5:30 pm



Ticket Information

Tickets for the Public Evening Tours Series 2 will be available to the general public through the UCSC Ticketing Website starting at noon July 30th, 2021. Limit of eight tickets per customer, $75.00 per person. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, there is a limit of max. 30 visitors per tour due to safety considerations.

Please note: Public Evening Tours series 2 will be sold during the Friends of Lick Observatory pre-sale starting at noon July 23rd, 2021.

Due to safety regulations, children must be at least 8 years of age for admission and accompanied by an adult. Due to late program hours, the program may be difficult for children under 12.

Assistance
We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs), so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Please note: Due to historic construction of the telescope domes, the 36-inch Refractor and the 3-m Shane telescopes are not wheelchair accessible at this time.

Driving to Lick Observatory
Please allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is good, but windy. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening. There are no automative services or gas stations for 20 miles, so please plan ahead. See more information on driving directions and parking here.