Observatory status.
SUMMER 2024

We currently host private stargazing sessions four nights weekly (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) and we also host the Estes Valley Astronomical Society (EVAS) monthly meetings on the last Saturday of the month. We Are now taking reservations for dates through September. You must email your request to secure a spot for the stargazing sessions. To reserve a stargazing date please follow the instructions on the Schedule page

As a standard practice, we will close for two nights before a full moon and the night of a full moon due to excessive brightness hindering stargazing. Currently, the observatory has only two trained volunteers and can only accommodate 14 people in the viewing dome at one time. We are actively seeking more volunteers, and as their availability increases, we will open up for additional nights.

In addition to regular visitors, the observatory welcomes school groups and youth organizations upon special request. To inquire about a large group or a special request please contact us

Welcome to the Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO) is a community resource dedicated to fostering the scientific education of children in Estes Park and serving as an educational venue for the community and visitors.   EPMO holds events throughout the year in conjunction with the local school system, the Estes Valley Astronomical Society, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The observatory schedules private and group viewing sessions and hosts educational lectures on astronomy, cosmology, astrophotography, and special astronomical events such as comet fly-bys and more! We also have fun ongoing projects like our Human Sundial Project. EPMO is currently offering opportunities for volunteers. Just contact us to get involved and learn about our sky along the way! Can’t help? Donate to our Estes Park Observatory and come visit anytime!

See our Schedule to book your viewing and/or see what is coming up soon!

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory Goals:

  • To interest kids K-12th grade in math, physics, and science.
  • To use astronomy as a tool to accomplish these goals.
  • To make learning a fun experience.
  • To promote critical thinking about really big things.

 

See more about our observatory equipment and learn more about the observatory.

Donations can now be made online to EPMO! Thanks to our past and future donors.