The observatory will be closed if travel conditions are hazardous. Whenever possible our Public Information Recording phone number- (760) 742-2119-will be updated to reflect any closures. Please see our Driving to Palomar Observatory page for directions and information on any possible road closures.

During open hours visitors may take self-guided visits to the 200-inch Telescope. The gallery in the 200-inch dome affords visitors a view of the Hale Telescope.

Podcast for the Palomar self-guided tour:
Click here to listen (right click to save to your computer) to the 10 minute (9.2 mb) audio tour.

The gallery in the 200-inch dome affords visitors a view of the Hale Telescope. Handicapped access is granted to the dome at 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, & 3:30 pm. There is no admission charge to visit the observatory or see the 200-inch Hale Telescope from the visitors gallery.

If you want to get on the other side of the glass, you must join a guided group tour of the 200-inch Hale Telescope.

Tours cover the history and current scientific research of the Palomar Observatory, with a special emphasis on the 200-inch Hale Telescope. Please note that the interior of the 200-inch dome is kept at nighttime temperatures (for an elevation of 5,500 feet!). Temperatures inside the dome are often in the 30s & 40s from October - May. Dress accordingly. High-heeled shoes are not recommended for the tours. The Palomar Observatory is a research facility. There is no viewing through the Hale Telescope as a part of the tours.

The Observatory offers three types of tours:

Each of the three types of tours is described below.

Please note that tours may be cancelled due to observatory operations or available staffing. Please check this page for updates.