Astronomy Day at CU

Program Contact

Carla Johns

Carla.Johns@Colorado.EDU

Every year for the past decade, Sommers-Bausch Observatory and Fiske Planetarium have opened their doors to the public for a free, day-long CU Astronomy Day celebration. The Saturday date varies from year to year, but is usually held during the last two weeks in April shortly before school lets out. Activities begin around noon and continue through the late evening hours.

Activities at the Observatory include explorations of the electromagnetic spectrum, general astronomy activities and demonstrations, and hands-on astronomical observations. During daylight hours, members of the Boulder Astronomy and Space Society help budding young astronomers learn about amateur astronomy and what kind of telescope to buy. After dark, there is stargazing (weather permitting) with both the BASS and Observatory telescopes.

Fiske Planetarium offers a variety of displays, activities and demonstrations including rocket launches, live talks, starshow mini-presentations, Science on a Sphere explorations of the Earth and the solar system, and concludes each year with a special evening planetarium presentation. Local amateur and professional astronomy vendors are also present.

  • Astronomy Day at CU

    Additional Info


    Location

    on campus

    Dates

    Ongoing

    Public or Private

    Public Program (open to the public)

    Program Fee

    No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

Sponsoring Units

  • College of Arts & Sciences

  • Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
  • Fiske Planetarium
  • Sommers-Bausch Observatory

Program Partners

  • Boulder Astronomy and Space Society
  • CU Astronomy Club
  • CUSTARs

Audiences Served

  • Children & Youth (outside school)
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Students - Elementary School
  • Students - High School
  • Students - Middle School