UofU Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory

06/05/2026

If you want to catch our telescopes in action for the rest of the festival:
TONIGHT - Canyonlands Island In The Sky
SATURDAY - Dead Horse
SUNDAY - Arches National Park - Windows lot

05/29/2026

We want to release this schedule a little bit early so that you're aware of all the activities we're doing! It's gonna be a busy June for us, and we hope to see you at our star parties!

Astronomy Festivals further information:
https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/annual-southeast-utah-astrofest.htm
https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/astrofest.htm

05/19/2026

Did you know?

We have a second observatory in Southwestern Utah dedicated entirely to research operations! This photo was taken this morning as part of ongoing upgrades and renovation work. We're now able to see the Milky Way in dark locations after midnight at this time of the year!

05/16/2026

Star Party - EKO Adventure Challenge
Saturday May 16, 2026 8:30pm-10:30 pm
South Marina Campground
Join Park Rangers and the Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory on a trip through the cosmos as we observe the night sky. Telescopes will be provided.
Please bring insect repellent, chairs if desired, and curiosity.
Event is free with paid park day use or Utah State Parks Pass.

05/14/2026

Notice: Our Star Party with the College of Science has been cancelled this Friday.

04/30/2026

We enter May tomorrow! Here is our schedule. We're expecting an uptick of external star parties. Follow our social media and the host social media for further updates.

OGDEN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY will be hosting the Antelope Island State Park Star Party on May 9th. We'll be there! And we recommend that you follow their page for all of their events at Antelope over the summer!

03/31/2026

Our April Schedule for this month!

03/07/2026

While the eclipse was a bust, we do have some exciting news! This Wednesday is the first Summer Schedule Star Party! Meaning we will be open until 11:00pm. We'll soon have solar observations available at the start of star parties again!

Our final star party of February is tonight! Because of the Lunar Eclipse, here's the schedule for March. We'll host the Lunar Eclipse Star Party if the weather holds out. Keep posted on this page, and we'll provide updates on if we're still good to go for it. Currently, the weather is looking like it might happen!

03/02/2026

We have made the decision to cancel our Star Party for the Lunar Eclipse this Tuesday morning. It is expected to be overcast and possibly some rain at our location. We recommend that anyone attempting to see the eclipse travel elsewhere.

02/25/2026

Here is the schedule for the Lunar Eclipse at the observatory on Tuesday Morning.

Animation: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/salt-lake-city?iso=20260303