First Friday Stargazing
First Friday Stargazing is a free public event provided on the first Friday during the Fall and Spring school semesters.
First Friday Stargazing is comprised a lecture starting at 7:30 pm and followed by stargazing (weather permitting).
Lecture topics are designed to be around 15-minutes around topical items that may be in the news regarding astronomy and space. Sometimes we take public suggestions on items they want us to discuss. Topics for future lectures will be posted via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CurtisVaughanObservatoryUTSA
The stargazing component gives anyone free access to the night sky using university telescopes and teaching equipment. Start times vary throughout the year due to time of sunset.
Weather permitting, experienced astronomers will provide a handful of telescopes of varying designs, give training on how each operates, and point to various astronomical objects that may appear in the sky for that given time of the year. If you have a telescope and do not know how to operate it, feel free to bring it and get instructions on its use.
Location
The Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory is located on the 4th floor of the Flawn Science Building on the Main Campus. After exiting the elevator, look for the doors to the outside star party observation deck adjacent to the observatory. The public is encouraged to park in the nearby Ximenes Ave Garage.
Dates
- February 6, 2026
- March 6, 2026
- April 3, 2026
- May 1, 2026
Parking
The most convenient parking location is the Ximenes Ave Garage. There is an hourly fee to park in the garage.
Note: The outlying lots are dedicated to faculty/staff and students; special permits are required and parking in these areas without a permit may result in being ticketed by patrolling Business Auxiliary Services Office personnel.
More Info on Ximenes Garage View Ximenes Garage on MapImages and Photos
View images from the observatory telescope and photos from past events at the observatory.
Contact Us
You can contact the observatory for questions, comments, or suggestions via email.
