Tours, Field Trips, and Events
K-12 Field Trips / Private Tours
While we primarily provide observational experiences and hands-on training for CU students, we are passionate about inspiring K-12 students through STEM educational experiences. Our daytime field trips and tours last 45-60 minutes. During the tour, we will demonstrate our 24-inch Boiler & Chivens and two 20-inch Planewave telescopes, as well as our solar telescope (if available). Field trips can be scheduled throughout the school year and summer.
To make your field trip even more impactful, consider visiting Fiske Planetarium as well. See their K-12 Education page for more info.
We can also offer a nighttime experience, including observing with the telescopes, depending on our availability and CU class schedule.
| K-12 Field Trips | Private Tours |
|---|---|
| $5 / Student (20 Student Minimum Charge) | $150 (1 - 20 People) |
Please complete the request form at least 1 week in advance.
Please note: We're a small organization with limited availability and we may not be able to accomodate all requests.
Private Observing Sessions
Looking for something unique and inspirational to do? Host a birthday party, retirement celebration, or corporate event at the Observatory!
Spend an evening learning about astronomical topics and take a guided tour of the skies with our experienced graduate students.
| 1-9 People | 10-30 People | 31+ People |
|---|---|---|
| $100 / Hour (2 Hour Minimum) | $175 / Hour (2 Hour Minimum) | Contact Us |
Please complete the at least 1 week in advance.
Please note: We're a small organization with limited availability and we may not be able to accomodate all requests.
Coming Soon: Scheduled Tours
For individuals or smaller groups, if you are interested in seeing the telescopes at Sommers-Bausch Observatory, scheduled tours are offered on Fridays.
Tickets cost $10 per person and are available from the Fiske Box Office.
Please meet in the Fiske Planetarium lobby (not at SBO) at the start of the tour. Your tour guide will meet you there and lead the group up to the observatory.
Please note, while the tour route mostly includes areas accessible by stairs/elevtor, there are four steps not accessible by elevator.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities. If you are planning to attend and require accommodations, please contact our Observatory Manager no later than 7 days before the event. We will make all reasonable efforts to fulfill requests submitted after the deadline.