Observatory

Observatory

See Beyond Our World

Enhance your research or explore your curiosities using research-grade telescopes to explore the night sky.

The observatory's telescopes can be used for both research and public viewing. The observatory is open to the public only during scheduled Open House events.

The latest addition to our collection is a Planewave CDK 700 27-inch telescope. Images are captured by an Andor Ikon-L CCD in addition to a Takahashi Petzval refractor. The telescope is housed inside of a clamshell, AstroHaven dome. This telescope is located next to the original dome which houses a Meade 16-inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain with an attached 5-inch Televue refractor.

Each telescope uses special CCD cameras to image faint astronomical objects. The cameras pick up details that the eye is unable to detect. The cameras can also collect data for long periods of time while tracking the motion of the stars in order to capture detail.

Image of telescope and stars.

Current Weather

Open House

🌕 Observatory Open House – Experience a Nearly Total Lunar Eclipse!

Join Planetarium faculty and staff at East Texas A&M University for a special Observatory Open House on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as we observe a spectacular partial lunar eclipse that comes just shy of totality.

🗓 Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30 PM – 11:45 PM (Maximum eclipse will occur at 11:12 PM)
📍 Location: East Texas A&M University Observatory

Come spend an evening under the stars and witness one of the year’s most impressive celestial events. During the evening, visitors will have the opportunity to view the Moon through several telescopes while also exploring other objects visible in the night sky.

What to Expect

🔭 Telescopes in Action: Several 10-inch telescopes will be available for public viewing.

🌌 Expert Guidance: University staff will be on hand throughout the evening to help you navigate the night sky, explain the lunar eclipse, and answer your astronomy questions.

🧥 Dress for the Evening: Temperatures can cool quickly after sunset, so we recommend dressing in layers for your comfort.

⚠️ Weather Notice: This event is weather dependent. Poor weather or cloudy skies may require us to cancel with little notice. Please monitor our website and our Facebook page for the latest updates before traveling.

🚻 Facilities Notice: Please note that there are no restroom or drinking water facilities available at the observatory.

Whether you’re a lifelong astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the night sky, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a nearly total lunar eclipse through professional-quality telescopes alongside knowledgeable university staff. We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars!

Directions

Parking is limited, so please be aware of vehicles coming and going, as we have excited little visitors. The drive into the parking area is a one-way drive. It is narrow and does not have room for passing vehicles. Please do not park on the drive beyond the gate before the parking lot. Additional parking is available on the paved County Road 4208 or in the parking area at the Observatory only.

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The observatory is located approximately five miles south of Commerce.

Directions: Traveling south of Commerce on Highway 50, turn east on County Road 4208. The entrance to the Observatory is approximately half a mile on the left.

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011

For a recorded message providing show information and times, call 903.468.8652.

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