The Friedman Observatory is open to the public each Friday evening, weather permitting. Come to one of our open houses to view the skies using our 16-inch (0.40 meter) Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain LX200 telescope. No reservation is needed.

If you have any questions, email Jon Belanger at jcb599@psu.edu for more information.

Weather Conditions

The observatory is open only during clear weather conditions. The observatory will be closed for:

  • poor visibility conditions (no or very few stars visible)
  • radar indicates scattered thunderstorms in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region
  • poor winter road conditions (e.g., snow, ice, fog)
  • significant snow or ice accumulation on or around the observatory dome
  • very cold weather (<20 degrees F)

For a prediction of upcoming viewing conditions, see the AccuWeather Stargazing Forecast.