Evening with the Stars: Friday June 27, 2025

Lick Observatory hosts world-renowned astronomers at the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the stars you won’t forget! Enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture, learn about the history of the world's first permanent, mountaintop observatory, and experience breathtaking views through the historic 36-inch Great Refractor and 40-inch Nickel telescopes.

Learn more about Evening with the Stars here!

Full program can be found here!

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Friends of Lick Observatory gain early access to tickets on April 9th.

General sales start on April 16th.

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6:00 pm Parking Gates Open

7:30 pm Doors Open

8:30 pm Lectures Begin

9:30 pm Observing Begins

Speaker: Dr. Jeff Jennings (Flatiron Institute)

Title: Storms Fast and Slow: How Planets Form and Evolve

Abstract: There are more planets in the Milky Way than there are stars. But how does some dust and gas around a newborn star turn into a system of planets, and what does this process leave behind? We'll explore these questions by looking at both our Solar System and the hundreds of planets forming around nearby stars, thinking about some of the mind-bending physics involved and what it would all look like if we could see it for ourselves

Learn more about our speaker here!

The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place.

Plan to arrive early - Numbered telescope viewing passes will be handed out in the order that guests enter the building. Lower number passes access telescopes first.

Preferred ticket holders have reserved lower number passes for telescope viewing.

The evening concludes when everyone has observed through the telescopes.

Be prepared for a late night drive home. The event lasts between 4-6 hours.

Parking is limited at the Observatory. We encourage carpooling.

Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly.

There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose.

See more information on driving directions and parking here.

Children under age 8 are not recommended to attend this event due to late hours.

To view through the telescope you need to be able to climb at a few stair steps.

For special assistance (e.g., difficulty with stairs), email dGlja2V0cyB8IHVjb2xpY2sgISBvcmc= to discuss options.

Wear casual, comfortable, warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible.

We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings.

If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at dGlja2V0cyB8IHVjb2xpY2sgISBvcmc=

Also check out other Business events in Mount Hamilton.