University of Alberta Observatory Free Drop-in Viewing

Free Telescope Viewing for Families in Edmonton

Looking for a free activity that comes with actual sunspots? The University of Alberta Observatory sits on the rooftop of the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, and the public is welcome to come look through the telescopes. No tickets, no fee, no experience needed — volunteers set everything up and show your kids exactly where to aim.

Every Thursday from noon to 1:00 PM, the observatory opens for solar observing all year round. Through safely filtered telescopes, you can watch the surface of the Sun and — depending on the day — catch sunspots, flares, and prominences. It's a rare "look directly at the star" moment that never gets old.

During the university's academic year, the observatory also opens on Thursday evenings for night sky observing. Viewing times shift with the seasons (later in fall and spring, earlier in the depths of winter), and the sessions pause over the summer — so evening stargazing runs roughly September through mid-April, not in July or August.

While you're in the building, look up in the CCIS West Atrium for the hanging scale model of the solar system — a nice bonus for space-obsessed kids. One honest note: the observatory isn't well suited to very young children, so this one lands best with school-age kids and up.

University of Alberta Observatory Free Drop-in Viewing

  • Location: Department of Physics Astronomical Observatory, CCIS Room 5-240, 5th floor of the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, University of Alberta North Campus

  • Solar Observing: Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, year-round

  • Night Sky Observing: Thursday evenings during the university term (approx. September–mid-April); times vary by month — not offered in summer

  • Ages: Best for school-age children and up; not recommended for very young children

  • Cost: Free drop-in — no tickets required

  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the classroom and roof area; no access into the telescope domes (telescopes are set up on the roof so everyone can view)

Check the U of A Observatory Hours & Schedule

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