The GRCO is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. The hours of operation will be from sunset to about two hours after nautical twilight. During the fall and spring these hours are approximately 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For winter months these hours are approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and summertime hours will be approximately 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. (Please check the dates and times listed below.) Attendance is free, however a voluntary donation of $3.00 per person is suggested. Special events will also be listed in the schedule below and are open to the public.

Private sessions are available by reservation through the Riparian Institute in one-hour time slots, beginning on the hour. A maximum of 15 people can be scheduled for any one session. These sessions will incur a fee of $5.00 per person, payable at the time of reservation. All fees will be refunded for events cancelled due to weather.

2009/2010 Public Schedule and Nightly Program

The table shows date of operation, scheduled program for the evening and operating staff members. If no special program is indicated on a specific night, the plan will be for general observing, showing the celestial objects best positioned for viewing on that night.

USNO Data Services