Observatory

Community Observing Nights
The St. Stephen's observatory is open for family, friends, alumni and students for viewing various celestial objects once a month on Saturday nights.

Starlight Nights at the Observatory 2024–25
Due to fluctuating weather conditions, the observatory will be open for observing sessions on the first clear night and possibly other clear nights within the dates below. If in doubt, please call the observatory at (512) 327-1213 x159 any time after 6 p.m. If there is no answer, then there is no observing session that night. Observing sessions run from 8 to 10 p.m.

October 26 – 28
Celestial Birds, a Hero for all times & a Dragon

November 29 – December 1
Flying Horses, a Water Bearer & a Royal Family in trouble

December 30 – January 3
Bulls, a Charioteer, Jabah the Great & a Leaping Rabbit

February 1 – 3
A pair of celestial Pups, a set of Twins & a Unicorn

March 17 – 21
A Multiheaded Monster, a Giant Crab & the King of the Jungle

April 18 – 20
A Cup, a Crow, the Bringer of Spring, a Hairy Situation & Hunting Dogs

June 2 – 6
Rising Death, a Healer, an Archer, a Laborer & a Balance
 
If you plan to attend, please email Frank Mikan a week before the session so we have an idea of the number of people who will be on campus.
 
These events are very dependent on the weather. Even a light haze tends to wash out the sky because of the city lights. If the skies are hazy or partly cloudy, Frank will communicate cancellations via email. Thank you for your interest.

We hope to see many of you this year out under the starry skies!

Starlight Nights At the Observatory

List of 4 events.

  • Oct
    26

    Starlight Nights at the Observatory

    The St. Stephen's community is invited to join us once a month for "Starlight Nights at the Observatory."

    This month's theme is: Celestial Birds, a Hero for all times & a Dragon.

    Due to fluctuating weather conditions, the observatory will be open for observing sessions on the first clear night and possibly other clear nights within three date range.

    If in doubt, please call the observatory at (512) 327-1213 x159 any time after 6 p.m. If there is no answer, then there is no observing session that night. Observing sessions run from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • Nov
    29

    Starlight Nights at the Observatory

    The St. Stephen's community is invited to join us once a month for "Starlight Nights at the Observatory." 
     
    This month's theme is: Flying Horses, a Water Bearer & a Royal Family in trouble
     
    Due to fluctuating weather conditions, the observatory will be open for observing sessions on the first clear night and possibly other clear nights within three date range. 
     
    If in doubt, please call the observatory at (512) 327-1213 x159 any time after 6 p.m. If there is no answer, then there is no observing session that night. Observing sessions run from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • Dec
    30

    Starlight Nights at the Observatory

    The St. Stephen's community is invited to join us once a month for "Starlight Nights at the Observatory." 
     
    This month's theme is: Bulls, a Charioteer, Jabah the Great & a Leaping Rabbit
     
    Due to fluctuating weather conditions, the observatory will be open for observing sessions on the first clear night and possibly other clear nights within three date range. 
     
    If in doubt, please call the observatory at (512) 327-1213 x159 any time after 6 p.m. If there is no answer, then there is no observing session that night. Observing sessions run from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • Feb
    1

    Starlight Nights at the Observatory

    The St. Stephen's community is invited to join us once a month for "Starlight Nights at the Observatory." 
     
    This month's theme is: A pair of celestial Pups, a set of Twins & a Unicorn
     
    Due to fluctuating weather conditions, the observatory will be open for observing sessions on the first clear night and possibly other clear nights within three date range. 
     
    If in doubt, please call the observatory at (512) 327-1213 x159 any time after 6 p.m. If there is no answer, then there is no observing session that night. Observing sessions run from 8 to 10 p.m.
View All Events

Austin Under the Stars

St. Stephen's and the Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) sponsor several evenings under the stars during the year. At this time, three events have been discussed: one in October, March and July. Please check this site for details of these great opportunities to observe and learn about the night sky. There are usually 20 to 30 telescopes set up on Phipps Field with many eager amateur astronomers ready to answer questions and give you a fantastic tour of the night sky.
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213