Special Tours and
Presentations
The Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory is a private, nonprofit, all volunteer educational institution supported by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Observatory provides facilities, guidance, and inspiration for astronomical study and research to people ages 8 and up. Interest in, as well as an appreciation of the universe around us, is nurtured through many astronomical activities. Both Technical and Educational Associates are available to provide informal discussions on many astronomical subjects. Visits may be arranged for either day or evening hours, depending on Observatory availability. School groups, science clubs, Scout troops, and other organizations of modest size are easily accommodated. To arrange a visit, please contact us or call 302-654-6407.
**Group sizes should be kept to about 25 due to the size of our planetarium. Larger groups can be accommodated with special arrangements. Please note that we are not a handicapped accessible facility.
A donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults is requested.
Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions as the observations are outdoors. Clear skies will result in chilly to cold nights.
Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory
A note to our visitors, schools and member families
Dear Friends of Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory,
The Board of Trustees has adopted a new policy concerning the age of children attending programs at the Observatory.
Children under the age of eight will not be received at the Observatory in organized groups — school field trips, scout troops and similar visits. On Family Nights, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, with a minimum age of eight.
The Observatory is a working scientific facility. Moving between the domes means crossing a rooftop, there are a great many stairs, and much of what we do takes place in a room kept deliberately dark. The building was not laid out with very young children in mind, and our presentations are written for older children. The Board’s concern is that every visitor can be properly supervised.
We do not want this to be the end of our work with younger children. Where a group falls below the age limit, the Observatory may offer to send a representative to your school or organization to present a program at your own location instead. Please contact us and we will do our best to arrange it.
We are grateful for your understanding, and for your continued support of the Observatory.
Board of Trustees
Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory