South Physics Observatory
University of Utah Department of Physics and Astronomy
 

 

Observatory Status

 

OBSERVATORY STATUS: We will be open tonight at 7pm for stars! It is very cloudy so we may not be able to show much.

Updated: 11/20/24

We are open to the public Wednesday nights for observing when the weather is clear, and physics demos and talks when it's not clear. We offer scheduled visits for groups and schools also! Please use the email below for contact.

Email observatory@physics.utah.edu or message us on Facebook for any questions regarding tours, events, and star parties.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC58qcT1nxowNyaOdu9o4jUg
  https://www.facebook.com/SouthPhysicsObservatory
https://www.instagram.com/uofu_southphysicsobservatory/ 

Be sure to check out our facebook page! See updates for new events with the department and special openings of the observatory! Click the "like" button on the right side of this page just above the pictures of space awesomeness.

 

Call 58-SPACE (587-7223) after 7:00pm on Wednesdays if you need help finding us while on campus. This number is not monitored outside of this time.

Observatory and Celestial Event Calendar

The South Physics Observatory located at the University of Utah offers FREE public star parties on CLEAR Wednesday nights. These are open to all ages, interests and groups and we do not require RSVP. During the visit, expect to see galaxies, nebulae, stars, moons, planets, and clusters. Feel free to ask questions about the universe, science, and what you're seeing. We may also offer lectures, demos, and special events during the star parties.

The events are outdoors so please dress appropriately for weather. We also try to open during important astronomical events so be sure to watch for the next lunar/solar eclipse, Mercury transit, or bright comet.

SPO can also offer assistance for those looking to learn to use telescopes for personal use, astrophotography, or for school/science fair projects. If you're looking to purchase a telescope and need help with all the choices, or if you're having trouble setting yours up, bring them to us and we may be able to help.

New Stuff

Come check out our new meteorite display!! We'll have it out for viewing during our normal star party times on Wednesdays.

 

 

Current Sky and Astronomy Info

NASA's SKYWATCH

 

This is where you can find information about when and where the International Space Station will be visible flying overhead.

Current Weather

Live Infrared Satellite Provided by Intellicast.com

Current Pacific Weather Current Pacific Weather
Current Weather

Clear Sky Chart for Salt Lake City

 

Sky and Telescope Magazine

 

Sky and Telescope online keeps you updated on new astronomy findings as well as having great observational tools for the amateur like Jupiter's and Saturn's moons positions.


 

Have an astronomy related question? Click here to ask an astronomer!

Information about our Universe

Our Sun

 

Planets

 

Solar System Objects

 

Stars

 

Exo-Planets

 

Nebula

 

Star Clusters

 

Galaxies

 

The Universe and Beyond

 

Donate

Recent SPO Images

Sept. 27 Super Blood Moon EclipseSept. 27 Super Blood Moon Eclipse
Sept. 27 Super Blood Moon Eclipse

Veil NebulaVeil Nebula Taken 9-7-15
Veil Nebula Taken 9-7-15

Dumbell BWDumbell in Black and White Taken 8-31-15
Dumbbell in Black and White Taken 8-31-15

Dumbell in Color Taken 8-31-15
Dumbbell in Color Taken 8-31-15


Jupiter and Venus conjunction June 30, 2015


Lunar Eclipse 4-4-15


Asteroid 2004 BL86 long exposure


Comet Lovejoy


Cellphone Moon


Triple Shadow transit and a moon of Jupiter


Jupiter Shadow Transit 1-24-15

 
Lunar Eclipse 10-8-14

  
Planetary Nebula M97, The Owl Nebula 5-1-14

  
Spiral Galaxy M99 5-1-14

  
Galaxies NGC3169, NGC3166, & NGC3165 4-23-14

  
The Orion Nebula 3-24-14

  
Lunar Eclipse 4-15-14

  
Pie Day Sol in H-Alpha

  
Supernova in M82

  
M16 Eagle Nebula

 

 

  
M57 Ring Nebula

  
M20 Trifid Nebula

  
M27 Dumbbell Nebula

  
Cell phone Saturn

 

Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah
201 JFB • 115 south 1400 east, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0830
Phone (801) 581-6901 • Fax (801) 581-4801
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