Featured Events in Mount Hamilton in June 2025 (July Updated)

Welcome to an Evening with the Stars ! Lick Observatory hosts world-renowned astronomers at the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the stars you won’t forget! Enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture, learn about the history of the world's first permanent, mountaintop observatory, and experience breathtaking views through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor and 40-inch Nickel telescopes. Learn more about Evening with the Stars here! Full program can be found here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Parking Gates Open 7:30 pm Doors Open 8:30 pm Lectures Begin 9:30 pm Observing Begins SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Jeff Jennings (Flatiron Institute) Title: Storms Fast and Slow: How Planets Form and Evolve Abstract: There are more planets in the Milky Way than there are stars. But how does some dust and gas around a newborn star turn into a system of planets, and what does this process leave behind? We'll explore these questions by looking at both our Solar System and the hundreds of planets forming around nearby stars, thinking about some of the mind-bending physics involved and what it would all look like if we could see it for ourselves Learn more about our speaker here! WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early - Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first. Preferred ticket holders have reserved lower number passes for telescope viewing. The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at a few stair steps. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to a Public Evening Tour ! Our behind-the-scenes walking tour of Lick Observatory showcases the instruments, technology, and the scientific discoveries we have been making for almost 150 years - including an up-close look at the 3-meter Shane Telescope, the largest telescope on the mountain. During twilight, staff will give a history lecture about the founding and construction of the observatory. Once the sky is dark (and weather permitting), guests will view celestial objects through the historic 36”-inch Great Refractor Telescope. Come look through the telescope just like professional astronomers did in the 1800s and experience how they made ground-breaking discoveries within our universe. This event will be approximately 4 to 6 hours long. Visitors should be prepared to walk about one mile during the evening, including taking stairs. Learn more about our Public Evening Tours here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Doors Open 6:30 pm Walking Tour Begins, followed by history lecture and observing The walking tour begins promptly. Our Gift Shop will also be open after the walking tour. WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive on time! Late arrivals can only join prior to the history lecture beginining. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS Children under age 12 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. ACCESSIBILITY There will be a significant amount of walking on this tour . Let us know if you have ambulatory considerations and need accommodation. Unfortunately, the Shane 3 meter telescope and the Great Refractor telescope are NOT wheel chair accessible. To view through the Great Refractor Telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few step stairs. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with walking), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. We will do our best to make the most accommodations possible. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the tour. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase at the gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to an Evening with the Stars ! Lick Observatory hosts world-renowned astronomers at the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the stars you won’t forget! Enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture, learn about the history of the world's first permanent, mountaintop observatory, and experience breathtaking views through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor and 40-inch Nickel telescopes. Learn more about Evening with the Stars here! Full program can be found here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Parking Gates Open 7:30 pm Doors Open 8:30 pm Lectures Begin 9:30 pm Observing Begins SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Steph Sallum (UC Santa Cruz) Topic: Imaging exoplanets & building new instruments to explore space Learn more about our speaker here! WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early! Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first. The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few stair steps. Due to the historic nature of the building, neither telescope dome is wheel chair accessible. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to Photography Night at Lick Observatory Bring your camera and photograph one of the most scenic spots in the Bay Area. Just 20 miles from San Jose, Lick Observatory sits 4,200 feet atop Mt. Hamilton, offering breathtaking sunsets and stunning night sky views. A longtime favorite for photographers, this iconic location is perfect for capturing the beauty of the cosmos and the historic observatory. This event does NOT include observing through the telescope. Learn more about Photography Night here! ------------------ General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ EVENT SCHEDULE June 21, 2025 7:30 pm: Gates Open. Sunset photography, 36-inch Refractor dome open 8:38 pm: Sunset 9:00 pm: Gates Close – Latest Arrival Time 9:40 pm: 12 Degree Twilight (Nautical Twilight) 10:24 pm: 18 Degree Twilight (Astronomical Twilight) 12:00 am: Main Building and 36-inch Refractor Dome Close 1:00 am: Event Ends TICKET DETAILS One ticket provides entry for ONE car with a maximum of FOUR people per car. PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS The 36-inch Great Refractor telescope will be placed in a photogenic position, with the dome open, weather permitting for the entirety of the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to photograph the sunset from Mt Hamilton, as well as do night-time photography of the sky. Photographers are welcome to enter the Great Refractor Dome and take interior pictures of the telescope. Drones are NOT allowed on observatory property. WEATHER If weather conditions are unfavorable, the event will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund. We will aim to notify you at least 24 hours in advance. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early to get your spot and set up. Gates will be closed after sunset for night time photography. Please arrive before the time listed above to gain entry to the event. RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT Photography Nights are perfect for honing your skills. Here are a few items that will make your night more successful. Tripod: Essential for stable, long exposures. Fast lens: Lower apertures (f/1.4–f/2.8) let in more light, though longer exposures work with higher f-stops. Bulb setting: Learn to manually adjust aperture and exposure before it gets dark. Cable release: Helps prevent shaking when starting exposures. Lens stabilization: Turn off if using a tripod. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 12 are not recommended to attend. Photography Nights are attended by serious photographers with a lot of equipment, this event is not suitable for younger children. Due to the historic nature of the observatory, the Great Refractor dome is NOT wheel chair accessible. If you have questions about accessibility support please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS No food is available at Lick Observatory. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the gift shop when it is open. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to Music of the Spheres ! Enjoy a live concert, learn about the latest astronomy research from world-renowned scientists, and view the night sky through Lick Observatory's historic 36-inch Great Refractor & 40-inch Nickel telescopes for an unforgettable night! Learn more about Music of the Spheres here! Full program can be found here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Parking Gates Open 7:30 PM Doors Open 8:30 PM Concert 9:30 PM Science Talk 9:30 PM Telescope Viewing Begins BAND: White Album Chamber Ensemble Orchestra White Album Ensemble Chamber Orchestra will perform instrumental versions of Beatles and other bands of the time period’s music. Come and enjoy some of your favorite songs performed in Lick Observatory’s unique venue! Learn more about our performers here! SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Tesla Jeltema (UC Santa Cruz) Title: The History of the Cosmos (and our understanding of it) Abstract: There is strong evidence that our Universe is roughly 13.8 billion years old, that it has expanded and evolved from the Big Bang to today, forming in the process stars, galaxies, and a rich network of larger-scale structures. I will review the history of our universe and its composition, including dark matter and dark energy. With the lens of an observational astrophysicist, I will discuss some of the major observations that led us to this picture and how current and future experiments will enable us to further our understanding of the cosmos. Learn more about our speaker here! Ticket Types General Admission tickets include concert seating, astronomy lecture, viewing through the 36-inch Great Refractor telescope and viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Telescope. Preferred Admission tickets include front center concert seating, astronomer lecture, priority viewing through the 36-inch Great Refractor, and priority viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Telescope. WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early - Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first. The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 12 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few stair steps. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org. Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to an Evening with the Stars ! Lick Observatory hosts world-renowned astronomers at the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the stars you won’t forget! Enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture, learn about the history of the world's first permanent, mountaintop observatory, and experience breathtaking views through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor and 40-inch Nickel telescopes. Learn more about Evening with the Stars here! Full program can be found here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Parking Gates Open 7:30 pm Doors Open 8:30 pm Lectures Begin 9:30 pm Observing Begins SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Sarah Loebman (UC Merced) Topic: Galaxy evolution and star formation explored with simulations and big data Learn more about our speaker here! WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early - Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first. Preferred ticket holders have reserved lower number passes for telescope viewing. The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at a few stair steps. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to a VIP Evening with the Stars ! In this VIP version of our popular Evening with the Stars, join that evening's guest astronomer on a behind-the-scenes tour of Lick Observatory, followed by a catered buffet dinner. Then, enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture and experience fabulous views through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor and 40-inch Nickel telescopes. VIP ticket holders enjoy the following: Private group tour of the Shane Telescope Catered buffet dinner in our historic Dining Hall with our Astronomy Lecturer Priority seating at the Astronomy Lecture Priority viewing through the 36″ Great Refractor and the 40 " Nickel Telescopes VIP ticket holders gain full access to the Evening with the Stars event. DO NOT BUY AN ADDITIONAL EVENING WITH THE STARS TICKET. Learn more about Evening with the Stars here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 5:30 pm Parking Gates Open 6:00 pm VIP Tour Begins Promptly 7:30 pm Buffet Served 8:30 pm Lectures Begin 9:30 pm Observing Begins SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Steph Sallum (UC Santa Cruz) Topic: Imaging exoplanets & building new instruments to explore space Learn more about our speaker here! WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Please arrive on time for the start of the walking tour! Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 5-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . BUFFET OPTIONS / DIETARY RESTRICTIONS Here is a link to a sample menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available. Once you have purchased your tickets contact us at tickets@ucolick.org if you have any dietary restrictions. AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few step stairs. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with walking), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to Observing Night Come look through the telescope just like professional astronomers did in the 1800s and experience how they made ground-breaking discoveries within our universe! Early arrivers will have the chance to learn more about history on a short, 20-minute guided tour around the main Visitor Center. The event starts after sunset with a lecture on the history of the observatory, exploring who is James Lick and how the observatory came to be constructed. Following, there will be 2 hours of observing through the Great Refractor telescope, including viewing of at least two objects. This event will be approximately 3 to 4 hours long. Learn more about Observing Night here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 8:00 pm Doors Open 8:15 pm Optional Guided Tour of Visitor Center 8:45 pm History Lecture Beings 9:30 pm Observing Begins Our Gift Shop will also be open from doors open until the start of the history lecture. WEATHER If weather conditions do not permit observing, the event will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund. We will aim to notify you at least 24 hours in advance. A final decision will be made by 3pm on the day of the event. PLAN YOUR TRIP Lecture will start promptly! Doors will close 15 minutes after observing begins. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 3-4 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. ACCESSIBILITY To view through the Great Refractor Telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few step stairs. Due to the historic nature of the observatory, the telescope dome is not wheelchair accessible. For special assistance, email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. We will do our best to make the most accommodations possible. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the evening. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase at the gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Welcome to Music of the Spheres ! Enjoy a live concert, learn about the latest astronomy research from world-renowned scientists, and view the night sky through Lick Observatory's historic 36-inch Great Refractor & 40-inch Nickel telescopes for an unforgettable night! Learn more about Music of the Spheres here! Full program can be found here! ------------------ Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th. General sales start on April 16th. ------------------ PROGRAM 6:00 pm Parking Gates Open 7:30 PM Doors Open 8:30 PM Concert 9:30 PM Science Talk 9:30 PM Telescope Viewing Begins BAND: White Album Chamber Ensemble Orchestra White Album Ensemble Chamber Orchestra will perform instrumental versions of Beatles and other bands of the time period’s music. Come and enjoy some of your favorite songs performed in Lick Observatory’s unique venue! Learn more about our performers here! SCIENCE LECTURE Speaker: Dr. Tesla Jeltema (UC Santa Cruz) Title: The History of the Cosmos (and our understanding of it) Abstract: There is strong evidence that our Universe is roughly 13.8 billion years old, that it has expanded and evolved from the Big Bang to today, forming in the process stars, galaxies, and a rich network of larger-scale structures. I will review the history of our universe and its composition, including dark matter and dark energy. With the lens of an observational astrophysicist, I will discuss some of the major observations that led us to this picture and how current and future experiments will enable us to further our understanding of the cosmos. Learn more about our speaker here! Ticket Types General Admission tickets include concert seating, astronomy lecture, viewing through the 36-inch Great Refractor telescope and viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Telescope. Preferred Admission tickets include front center concert seating, astronomer lecture, priority viewing through the 36-inch Great Refractor, and priority viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Telescope. WEATHER The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place. PLAN YOUR TRIP Plan to arrive early - Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first. The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes. Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours. GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling. Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly. There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose. See more information on driving directions and parking here . AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY Children under age 12 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours. To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at least a few stair steps. For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email tickets@ucolick.org to discuss options. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold. REFRESHMENTS Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible. SAFETY We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings. CONTACT US If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at tickets@ucolick.org. Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite