The aluminum-domed Crosby Observatory atop Orlando Science Center houses Florida's largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. This one-of-a-kind custom-built telescope, along with several smaller scopes, are available at selected times for solar and night sky viewing.

Peer through the powerful, 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope to view the planets, the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas and double stars.

All activities and events in the Crosby Observatory
are weather permitting only.

SkyWatch

June 12 - August 21, 2010

Saturday Evenings, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Join our astronomers in the Crosby Observatory for a night full of wonder. Enjoy views of the celestial objects while you take in the glittering Orlando skyline. Our telescopes will expand your horizons to places like Jupiter, Mars and Venus and beyond. Admittance ends at 9:00 p.m. with viewing continuing until 9:30 p.m. for those already in the Crosby Observatory.

SunWatch

Returning September 2010

First Saturday of the Month, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Safely gaze upon the closest star to our home planet - the Sun. Our astronomers take aim at the sun to reveal the secrets hidden behind its glare. Take a peek at the Sun’s surface to see what kind of day the sun is having. Sometimes the surface is placid and serene but more often than not, it is boiling with sunspots and solar flares.

Cocktails & Cosmos

Quarterly Event: See page for dates, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Indulge in Downtown Orlando’s most scientifically unique and socially inclined experience, where Science meets the Arts. The social scene will be set by a Happy Hour filled with a variety of food and drink specials, followed by an evening of music, art and films. Throughout the evening, the Crosby Observatory will be available for your astronomical viewing pleasures.

Astronomy Day

Annual Event: TBA April 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Activities include:
- Orlando By Night live planetarium shows at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Solar Viewing with Telescopes from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Night Sky Telescope Observing from Dusk until 9:00 p.m.

Take a day to immerse yourself in another world. Join us for a day full of planets, stars and activities that will inspire you to look far beyond the horizon. Telescope observing sessions and planetarium shows will be conducted throughout the day and astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. For more information visit the Astronomy Day event page at Astronomy Magazine.