Stargaze through an Apollo 11 Telescope - Atlas Obscura Experiences

Stargaze through an Apollo 11 Telescope

3 hours
$28 per person
Up to 10 people
See Dates
$28 per person
Berthoud, Colorado
What We’ll Do

Spend an evening among the stars at Little Thompson Observatory! With two telescopes, two constellation walls, and knowledgeable guides, the Little Thompson Observatory is just the place to experience the vast universe. Just before sunset, we'll start the evening with cosmic lemonade, moon pies, and a space trivia competition. The winning trivia team will walk away with an incredible space-themed prize basket! Once night falls, the real show begins. We'll orient ourselves to the sky using the observatory's amazing star map. We’ll learn about their observational equipment, including the story of how they acquired an Apollo 11 telescope. Then you'll have the chance to gaze through that very same telescope! Throughout the evening, check out the hand-painted map of Lakota constellations and ask the observatory’s experts questions about the telescope and the cosmos.

Where We’ll Be

We'll spend our evening at the Little Thompson Observatory. It is home to a piece of NASA history—the very special 24" Mount Wilson Telescope! It was built for NASA’s Apollo program. Around 1963, scientists used it to study the Moon to prove that the lunar surface was solid and safe for landing. The observatory is also home to the 18” Tinsley Classical Cassegrain Telescope and star wall.

About Your Host
Hannah
Hannah

Hi. I’m Hannah, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.

Thanks to a backyard telescope and a star map, my passion for space started when I was a kid. I love to paint galaxies and stargaze at the Little Thompson Observatory. It's truly one of my favorite places and one of Denver’s best kept secrets. I've been partnering with our space expert, Meinte Veldhuis, to create magical stargazing experiences for the past year. His passion and knowledge for space inspires me! I'll join him and you in starry wonder and I'll be happy to recommend some of my other favorite local treasures.

For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.

What Else You Should Know

This event is welcome to all ages. Unfortunately, the telescopes are not ADA accessible. The star wall and educational room are accessible, but both telescopes are up a flight of stairs.

Group Size

There are 10 spots available on this experience.

Who Can Come

Guests of all ages can attend.

What to Bring
  • Bring a sweater or jacket along, in case the evening is cool!
Cancellation Policy

Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.

What We’ll Provide
Food

Moon Pies - a classic cosmic treat!

Drinks

Cosmic lemonade, a delicious lemonade accented with swirling, food-grade glitter.

Dates and Availability

There are no upcoming experiences at the moment. Fill out the form below to be notified when we add new dates.

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