Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Alaska has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.
For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Alaska that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in October 2023. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.
Stargate Observatory
2472 N Seward Meridian, Wasilla, AK 99654 - Contact: 907-352-0400
The Stargate Observatory was built in 2001 and is the only public observatory in Alaska. The observatory is stationed at Mat-Su Career & Technical High School in Wasilla, Alaska.
Image Credit: Stargate Observatory
Telescope
This observatory is home to one of the largest Newtonian Reflector telescopes in Alaska. It is a 10” Schmidt-Cassegrain.
Visiting
This observatory is open Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm. Admission is free, though the observatory is only open to the public by group request. At the time of collecting this information the observatory’s website states: “The Stargate Observatory Is Currently Closed For Cleaning And Repairs. We hope to have it open again in the Fall of 2022. Check here again for updates” therefore, we recommend reaching out before visiting.
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
