Reviews of Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (Museum)

Elyse Hatch

Jennifer conducted a great program for our beavers out visit.

Jayla Thompson

Very informative. The spaces were small and crowded though so not many people can hear their explanations and such. Also the night we went was very smoky outside, so that was a let down, but has no effect on my review as that wasn't their doing. Just keep in mind it's very squishy everywhere and maybe go early.

Prabhjeet Grewal

A life time experience to the observatory. Opens only two times for public to see through the Telescope

Cecilia Lin

Great place to go on the public open house nights. Excellent presentations and a chance to look through the large telescope

Danika Robinson

Went here for a date to see mars (closest to earth it's been in 15 years)! Really cool experience and knowledgeable and friendly scientists working the telescopes! A must for anyone interested in the stars and planets!

Millie Tpoen

Great place for viewing the night sky. The open house events are good as long as you're dressed for the weather and can tolerate waiting if necessary.

CharlyAS 23

Amazing place

Sebastien Bourdeau

Great folks who work there! You might just even meet Dr.Phil who runs the show. Went there on an open house event last night and we had a clear enough sky to observe Jupiter and three of it's moons. There was a wide array of telescope and allot to observe!

Ben Janes

I've now been on two guided tours with BBBS, of the telescopes and grounds. We had a quick view through one of their "small" manual telescopes (was still bigger than a hobbyist telescope) at the North Star. Unfortunately that's all we could see because of the sky conditions, but it was still cool. The guide was led by students from the Astrophysical department of the U of C, and they were very knowledgeable and courteous. Hope to make it back soon!

Teigan de Boer

Their public nights are great. Saw Jupiter and its satellites!

Omar Ahmed

Great for star gazing

Pablo De Biase

Awesome place to learn and see things you have ever seen in the sky. Great place to show your kids the small we are and the huge and amazing is the universe around us.

Cesar Londono

The best place to learn and watch the sky in our light polluted city.

Phanat Sy

The parking organization for any big events are always poorly planned. Most people get fed up and park alongside the road leading up to it. We went for the mars viewing and the big telescope was pointed towards a star clustere! Nearly two hours in line! You're better off just lying on the grass rather than using these ancient telescopes! We went here months earlier for some moon event and we just looked at it through a computer screen! Yes it's free, but it's underwhelming.

L Schiller

Went to milky way open night and had to park on Main road and walk to observatory it to be turned around because they were at capacity.

Kimberley Campbell

The open house events are absolutely amazing. Lots of telescopes and fascinating people excited to talk about astronomy.

Simon Timms

So many people there passionate about space and astronomy. It is an inspiration

Mairen

Went to public access Milkyway night. Very cool experience since it was my first time. Would definitely go again. Alot of people/line ups for telescopes. Also was very dark, my mother had a hard time navigating the pathways. If you have one, bring a red light flashlight.

John Erk

Absolutely Awesome place to go to if your interested in Astronomy. But try to go here with a community or school group, as their monthly open houses tend to be extremely busy and just simply not worth going to.

Chaitanya Khamar

They offer Awesome classroom experience for grades 6-9!

Ana Gannon

The open houses have become increasingly popular which I think is great for the community. The lectures are very informative, the volunteers bring their telescopes and aim them to import sky objects and they are very knowledgeable explaining what you are looking at. I had a chance to see a nebula through the observatory's massive telescope and it was an unforgettable experience

Conor Power

People passionate about space!!!

PergatoryKnight

They explain complicated stuff, and the Observatory where the telescope were not that clean

Neil Bromley

Excellent, knowledgeable staff. Carl Sagan's birthday celebration was a resounding success.

Lindsay M

Wonderful. The sky is breathtaking here.

Ian Stubbs

Got to look through the telescope, really cool to be able to see galaxies that are light years away through the high powered telescope.

이영호

Good place for kids

Rasmus Rydstrøm-Poulsen

Amazing views, amazing humans working there. I love rothney!!!

Russ Aneca

Tons of cool info!

Angela H

I didn't know this place even existed until I went with my son on a school field trip! Staff were all very knowledgeable and the kids had a great time. We will be back in the summer for milky way days to do some star gazing.

Jennifer Howse

Please check website for opening times. The observatory is only open to the public once a month for special events.

Sophia Y.

I've been coming here since I was about 7 years old, and I've made a lot of memories here. Maybe this review is biased because of my history, but it's an awesome place, which really got me into space science growing up. They have some spectacular seminars once in a while about things like the Fermi Paradox. Great place to get a hot chocolate and see the stars.

Bruce Moore

Very nice opportunity for viewing planets and stars. Gets quite busy. Some standing in line. Guide volunteerd ate friendly and knowledgable.

Robert Stephenson

This is a stellar celestial place near Didsbury Alberta. I hope to visit again soon.

Ban Yan

Knowledgeable young people are around during the open house nights, making their love of an obscure subject accessible to everyone. Plus it's so quiet out there! Worth a trip for sure.

Shauheen Etminan

We went to see stars at 11:00 PM of Aug 13. The first night for public. It was a cold night and we stayed in a line for 2.5 hours. Most of us got cold after that night. But it was not just the main disaster! No one came out to give an update for the public that the sky is not clear anymore and basically you won't see anything. So, after waiting for about 2.5 hours, we were allowed in and then the guy in, showed some picture on his computer. We were all really pissed off and drove back home with disappointment. I think either they should not let this place open for public of they should be able to give some announcement to the whole public not to waste their time. I can see much better picture from my own computer from Hubble telescope and no need to drive all the way down and wait in the line for 2.5 hours once chilly.

Troy Fyhn

Amazing place to see the moon and stars, just outside of the city limits!

Hype

Went on field trip, Was decent

B C

Place is full of passionate scientists looking to explain and help you understand what they do. Definitely worth the entry fee. Donate more if you can they're still on windows XP :(

Zeeshan Safdar

I saw the rings of Saturn. It was UNREAL

Bee

We Love this place, we always learn so much.

Andromeda Academics

Amazing late night classes on different topics. Loved it here.

Denton Pearce

Really cool to see space with the telescopes and learn about astronomy.

Devon Bonville-Wills

This is a great experience. My partner and I went for Date Night. Seeing the largest operational telescope in Canada was very cool, and being able to look at the stars was an experience we will always have.

Ben Ang

Interesting

Richard Gaskell

Great viewing until the clouds rolled in. Really busy for August open house. Get there early if you have kids. Arrive later if you're all adults because the families start leaving 11:30-ish. HINT: You'll need a flashlight to get around but cover it in red plastic or get a red flashlight because white light reduces the night-light of you and everyone around you.

outcast569

Awesome place

Wilson H

like this place

Or Pin

(Translated) Privileged place for the practice of astronomy, Calgary U (Original) Lugar privilegiado para la practicaxde la astronomia, U de Calgary

Siu Ting Chan

Great place with friends and family. Saw the milky way and shooting stars :)

Rhiannon LeClair

My boyfriend and I attended a Milky Way Night, and despite the surprisingly cold August evening, it was so worth it. It was so spectacular to view distant nebulas and galaxies from all the telescopes that were set up. We spoke with some very friendly and knowledgeable people about what we were looking at through their telescope. We will definitely be going back!

Joseph Garapati

Excellent place to visit. Lot of telescopes and very educational.

Paul Jacobs

Jennifer (presenter) was very informative and had the patience to deal with a load of cub scouts. The technology is impressive. I'd recommend the place.

Sri Kishan Garapati

(Translated) One of our favorite places. Wish we could go more often. Open houses are crowded but really cool. This is the University of Calgary Astronomical Observatory. Looking forward to going with the family again if we get the chance. The observatory is located in the ‘Dark Sky Country’ of Alberta (translation: Dark Sky Territory. Due to the lack of street lights around, the sky is darker than the objects or celestial cities, but so that more stars can be viewed). The Milky Way can be seen here. Being a university property, it is not always possible to visit - there is a monthly ‘Open House’ which means public visitation times. (Original) One of our favourite places. Wish we could go more often. Open houses are crowded but really cool. ఇది క్యాల్గరీ విశ్వవిద్యాలయ ఖగోళ వేధశాల. మాకు అవకాశం లభిస్తే మళ్ళీ కుటుంబసమేతంగా వెళ్ళాలనిపిస్తోంది. ఈ వేధశాల అల్బర్టాలోని ‘Dark Sky Country’ లో (అనువాదం: గాఢాంధకార ఆకాశమండల సీమ. చుట్టుపక్కల వీధి దీపాలు లేకపోవడం వలన ఆకాశమండలం వైపు వెలుగును ప్రతిబింబించే వస్తోపకరణాలు లేక ఆకాశమండలం నగరాల కంటే ఇక్కడ గాఢాంధకారంగా కనిపిస్తుంది, కానీ దీని వలన మరిన్ని తారలను వీక్షించవచ్చును) వున్నది. పాలపుంతను ఇచట చూడవచ్చును. విశ్వవిద్యాలయ ఆస్తి కావడం చేత ఎల్లవేళలా సందర్శించడం వీలుకాదు - నెలకోసారి ‘Open House’ అనగా ప్రజా సందర్శన వేళలు వుంటాయి.

justin palmer

We visited the observatory with a scout group and we had a great time. The students there answered all of the kids questions (all of them. There were many weird questions, lol). We all left with a new appreciation for the cosmos.

Michael P. Willie

Out for a program with the brownies. A great time had by all.

Inspector PhD

Went for Carl Sagan night. It was great!

Sara Petrenko

Well worth a visit on a clear night when there's an open house. Can get a bit crowded.

Sarah Miller-Dorey

Such a great place for learning and discovery. Staff here are extremely knowledgeable. The open houses they host are tons of fun, very interesting.

Wayne Green

Cool and fun

Lindsay McLaughlin

Amazing place and the staff were wonderful! 10/10 would recommend.

Attila Lutinca

Pretty unique place.

Joel Burke

Cool place! Not exactly set up for visitors, but if you get a chance for a tour it's worth it. I got to hold an asteroid.

Cari Mathews

Was very informative, I enjoyed it a lot

Jacqueline Voisin

A great place for a field trip with friendly and very knowledgable staff.

Kathy Doherty

The astronomers were super friendly and answered all our questions. A telescope was set up to look through and we received a tour of the whole place. It was amazing and the kids will never forget it. Total worth a visit.

Kyle Kemp

Really wanted to like this, but ultimately underwhelming with long lines to see any of the telescopes. Obviously I understand the facility is for research and teaching but for the public it isnt something i would recommend.

Riza AA

Wanna go back soon! Like during their Dark Night Event this coming November 5! So, here's the story. We wanted to go to Ann & Sandy's Stary Night event but we were late so we decided to drive all the way to Rothney and we weren't sure if it was open or not and we didn't book for a special tour. We parked and went inside and got a free glimpse of their souvenir shop and lecture hall and got to meet some cool astronomers and also a lady from the UofC who allowed us to use the telescope! We weren't able to see the Orionid that night but saw Verga and the bro and sis stars! Supercool! Better layer up though the wind can get you!

Danika Wong

The volunteers/students running telescopes were lovely and informative. One volunteer organizing crowds should probably not be given the same job next time - I think it overwhelmed her a bit! The older guy explaining the star clusters with his son was not on the same page as her. She was trying to stop people from going in but he went on the longest spiel EVER. Also asked lots of "what do you think?" questions (my least favourite kind of prof) with long silences after. Good but needs to be organized better and volunteers need to coordinate with each other. Even our two parking directors argued with each other.

Duane Porter

Went on a night where it seemed like they expected 300 people and 3000 showed up. Rude angry people fighting about lineups being unorganized. People smoking pot all over (was with my kids) and cursing and etc. The staff/volunteers were great though it just seemed like the system has been overwhelmed.

Phoenix Ash

So cool

shane butler

Lot of light solution, can only really explore southern direction. Close to city so very convenient. Great volunteers and staff. Very cloudy when I went. ...So not a star to be seen. Check weather before driving out. Worth a visit

Ryan Harper

3rd largest telescope in Canada!

Kammryn Dancy

They hold some great tours and do information nights that are well worth it. I would suggest checking the schedule for upcoming events.

VIPUL JASANI

Must visit place for every age group.

Owly K

Perfect date night! This was really fun and highly recommend for those looking to do something different near Calgary. We arrived early in so when they open the gates you can get a parking spot. It was nice because we watched the sunset prior to entering the grounds. They have a small concession and be forewarned if it is a busy night you wait in line to look through the larger telescope so if it’s cold, bring a blanket or extra layers. After looking through the larger telescope we had the option to roam around the grounds to look through other telescopes accompanied by lovely students willing to talk all things astronomy. It was very interesting and everyone was super friendly!

James Fietz

Operated by the university of Calgary this observatory has the third largest telescope in Canada. The people working here are very knowledgeable and are very willing to talk to you at length about how the equipment works and how to operate it. If you can make it out for an event I highly recommend it.

Jake Patey

Pretty cool

Craig Fulton

An incredibly cool experience

Kevin Jarin

Do you want your date to fall in love with you? Maybe you want to surprise your significant other and make them think that you're some kind of romantic genius? Then say no more fam! Take them to one of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory's Milky Way Nights! One date night here and I guarantee that their love for you will grow three sizes. 60% of every time, it works every time. Don't have anyone? It's cool homie. Drop by anyways and look at the cool stars and telescopes! Maybe learn about the different constellations, how to spot them and the stories behind them. With that knowledge, you'll be taking dates here and impressing them in no time! Also, don't forget to donate to the best wingman ever: The observatory!

David McMillan

Great experience, but is weather dependent.

Dylan Tuttle

Really well run, with wonderful helpful staff, I go to the open houses every month!

Vinodh Padamattummel

Fantastic experience. Also, the people here are all awesome.

Rebecca Reid

Awesome place to visit, especially on free day!

Vikas Bareja

I was here for open house with my family. It gives an opportunity to kids to learn and helps in creating further interest in astronomy. Would recommend a visit during open house. Check their website for details.

Moe traggaz

Disappointed, fog rolled in and couldn't look through the telescopes

Dale McNeil

A great place to meet curious people and feel the mysteries of eternity.

Dick Miller

Great destination for groups. (By appointment only. )

Daniel elduayen

Wow this place is amazing

Alexandria Dunnewold

Must See! Spend a beautiful evening under the stars! Get out of the city and see the sky light up. We had a great time learning about our system and everyone who worked there were very friendly. Make sure you don’t bring flashlights as they won’t let you use them. They light pathway with res lights so you can still see where you are going.

Mat Day

It's awesome to have something like this so close to home. The volunteers do a great job. Don't miss out on this. Eventually, light pollution will kill this place and that will be a shame

Brendan Brooks

So cool for a date. One huge recommendation : if it's busy and there's huge lines for the big telescope, don't wait! Check out the smaller telescopes around the area. They were way more interesting. We waited 3 hours in line to see a blurry blob. Stick to the outside and if you can bring a red flashlight.

Douglas Pruden

Cool place. Knowledgeable people

Jacob Groen

Excellent. Went there with a school trip but they also have open houses once a month. Helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Highly recommend this.

mr eh

Fantastic place, and great opportunity!

Joanne Anderson

Great place. The view is amazing!!!

Devendra Gohel

Good

Laurie Dolph

I went to the open house, last night, entitled "Mythology of the Night Sky". It was a fun, educational, fascinating evening where three speakers taught us about ancient human connections to the sky and the incredible future potential of human exploration. All three speakers were outstanding. The sky cleared up for us, so we got to see many things in the telescopes. One of the speakers told us that the evening was casual - giving us permission to politely leave, during the talks, to look in the telescopes. Great idea! Good way to avoid the crowds during intermission. I'll see you again, next month.

Miranda Batten

I've only ever gone as part of a volunteer event but it's lots of fun! The staff are knowledgeable. My event including children and they found activities to interest them and encourage questions/curiosity. There's a lot to see and it's definitely infotmative.

Amanda Wilson

A wonderful spot to visit to learn or just enjoy the skies natural beauty away from the city lights. Great for families or a date!

Scott Clifford

For those interested in coming to visit us: The observatory is not actually open to the public as the hours on the website and sign outside the observatory may suggest. The observatory is occasionally open to the public on specific days of the year which can be found on our website. Otherwise, private/school tours are available to be booked during the day. Please visit our website and FAQ for more information on events and current weather conditions at the observatory and we'll see you there!

Tariq Hack

Great experience during their public viewing event.

Will De Jong

Very cool place to go and learn about stars and constellations. During the open houses they have lots of telescopes to look through and lots of educational programs. Fantastic view of the mountains as well.

Rick Jesse

Fun place for families or star watchers

Stan Woo

So cool!

Suryatapa Roy

Cool

Tan Varma

Great experience seeing the stars through telescopes however the big telescope had a 2 hour lineup and not worth staying for that

Bryanna Marklinger

What a great night to see the stars. This was so cool. The volunteers answered every question and knew litterly ANYTHING you needed to know about the stars and the solar system. It was also neat to learn about the different telescopes I was looking through. And of course the big giant dome with the Megatron telescope as I called it was worth the wait. We went for date night and I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend this as a fun date night or just fun for the fam.

Kanchan Muti

A super welcoming and informative place regardless of your level of knowledge! They always have events on open to the public and guide you through.

CharltonOlmos

Very cool! Great place for kids!

mirkcup

It's pretty interesting place for everyone who like stars and planets..

Костя Борисов

(Translated) I have only one word - amazing !!! (Original) У меня только одно слово - восхитительно!!!

Cory Oliver

Nice evening, lots to see and learn.

Mandeep Mavi

Gravel road need some lights of signs for dark or foggy nights.

Lily Zhou

Wonderful and amazing place. Learned a lot from there.

Graham Jones

Great family night!

Chelsea Grant

So amazing!! Went to see 5he Super Wolf Blood moon.Love this place and cant wait to go back again.

Michael Franklin

Great time at the Milky Way Nights, but the lineup situation could have been a little better managed. I also had no idea my kids flashing shoes could have "permanently damaged" the big telescope so couldn't go in after waiting in the lineup for at least 30 min. Signage might be good to have to warn parents about this.

Ricky Lai

Just came back from the Milky Way Nights open house tonight with my daughter. Amazing experience, excellent volunteers and staff that are passionate about Astronomy and teaching. My daughter had a blast and loved all the different telescopes and loved seeing Jupiter and Saturns rings. Getting there early is a must if you bring little ones, they let us in early and we got to see most things before it got way too busy. Little tip, if it's your first time go to the gift shop in the main building first, they have a map on a whiteboard that shows you all the areas and what you can do. Because of that we made it to telecopes that most people didn't even know were there or got there before the crowds hit.

Garrett Preikschas

Great facility, cool place to wash the lunar eclipse from!

EMBL2011

Joined my son here a few months ago when he went with his Cubs group. Our guide was great. I have a new found love for astronomy. If you don't get out of the city much it's nice to be out where you can see the stars so much better. There's definitely a special feeling looking at the stars. We got to see Mars through the telescope which was really neat. My son really enjoyed it at well.

Steven Bond

So much to see and learn. Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable.