Star Search

What's big and inky and filled with bright, bold spectacles? The winter sky, when viewed from the three giant telescopes at the Chabot Space and Science Center. On Friday and Saturday nights Chabot opens its doors for winter stargazing 1,500 feet above the Bay. Your hosts: Leah, Rachel and Nellie—three world-class (and massive) telescopes designed to bring you closer than ever to the stars. Leah, the 8-inch refractor, and Rachel, the 20-incher are usually tipped up towards planets. Jupiter looks really good at this time of year—and beautiful star clusters like Pleiades really shine in the winter sky. Nellie is the new telescope on the block; she's a 36-inch reflector that's usually focused on the "faint and fuzzy," giving you a clearer perspective of the solar system. Up to six experienced operators are on hand working the telescopes and answering questions, so the sky's the limit with astronomical inquiries. Winter is one of the best times for stargazing so bring a warm coat and get glowing!

The telescopes at Oakland's Chabot Space and Science Center are open for public night viewing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. There is no cost to attend.