Look to the skies!
Free public telescope viewing has been offered on the grounds of the McDonnell Planetarium for over 60 years! This provides our community the opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes, with the aid of experienced amateur astronomers, from our Planetarium team and local astronomy clubs.
Nighttime sky viewing and daytime solar observing are available regularly at the McDonnell Planetarium, as well as in conjunction with phenomena of current astronomical importance. Please note that all telescope sessions are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation.
Pubic telescope viewing at the McDonnell Planetarium is made possible thanks to partnerships with the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the River Bend Astronomy Club.
Upcoming Public Telescope Viewings
Please note: All telescope events are weather permitting and subject to sudden cancelation.
Friday, June 07
PLANETARIUM: Star Party!
Star Parties
Public Star Parties are hosted on the first Friday of most months as part of the Science Center’s First Friday events. Weather permitting, a number of telescopes will be available outside the McDonnell Planetarium and operators will be on hand to answer questions. Indoor First Friday events are offered rain or shine and held inside Planetarium.
Star Parties include a free Monthly Sky Lecture hosted inside the McDonnell Planetarium’s Orthwein Star Bay Theater. We will feature what will be visible in the current month’s sky including constellations, planets, current Moon phase and any other special astronomical events such as meteor showers, etc.
Public Telescope Viewing is scheduled to begin at dusk and end by 9:00pm. The Monthly Sky Lecture is held at 7:00pm.
Solar Sundays
Daytime solar telescope viewing is provided outside the McDonnell Planetarium as part of our regularly scheduled Solar Sundays program. A variety of solar telescopes and safe viewing techniques are used to provide guests safe views of the Sun, including the ability to see features like sunspots and solar prominences.
Solar Sundays are scheduled on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All events are weather dependent and are subject to sudden cancellation.
In 2024, a special springtime edition of Solar Sundays will be offered in March during the lead up to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Please check the schedule above for additional solar telescope opportunities.
