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Public Tours

Holcomb Observatory Tours
Public Viewing 2009

Weekend public tours dates are:
November 7, 13, 14
December 4, 5, 11, 12

Doors open at 7:30 PM
Planetarium Show at 8:00 PM
Telescope viewing 9:00 - 10:00 PM

For private tours call: (317) 940-8333

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is open to the public most Friday and Saturday evenings. The upcoming dates we are open are listed on right-hand side of this webpage. The current planetarium program focuses on the planet Saturn, its weather, its many moons, and its ring system. At the end of the Saturn portion of the program the dome of the planetarium comes alight with a tour of the night time sky pointing out stars, constellations, and planets currently visible in our Hoosier skies. Saturn is uniquely align with Earth right now with its rings appearing nearly edge-on. This alignment only occurs every 14 years. The Planetarium show is at 7:30 PM rain or shine. Before and after the planetarium show visitors will have an opportunity to view Saturn and other celestial objects through Indiana's largest telescope weather permitting from 8:30 P.M. -  9:30 P.M. Other objects that may be viewed include assorted stars clusters, nebulae, and perhaps the Moon if visible.

The planetarium presentation costs $3 for adults, $2 for children, students and seniors, and $7 for families of five or less. Viewing through the telescope is always free, weather permitting. If you would like to schedule a private tour for a group of 15 or more at another time in the upcoming months, please call (317) 940-8333. For more information on private tours please visit our private tour webpage.

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is located on the north end of the Butler University campus and can be reached by heading west on 46th Street from Meridian Street. Butler University Campus Map (PDF)