Nighttime Visit (Stargazing Parties)

Individuals are no longer required to make reservations to attend stargazing parties. Reservations are required for group visitors.

Photo of 150-cm Reflector Telescope

Regular stargazing parties using 150-cm reflector telescope are held on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

Hours for stargazing changes depending on the season.

Photo of saturn

Stargazing parties are held only at clear nights.

When it is cloudy, rainy or humid (Humidity 90% or more), we can't use telescopes.

Instructions for groups

Gunma Observatory used to accept groups of 20 or more people on weekday evenings for private use. However, as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus, we have stopped accepting groups to use the observatory for private parties.

For those who want to take astrophotography

Photo of globular cluster Messier 13

If you want to manipulate a telescope by yourself or want to take astrophotography, you should apply for rental telescope, instead of attending stargazing parties.

To use rental telescopes, you have to take a license in advance. For details, please read the guidance written in Japanese → Kansoku-Taiken-Jikan ("観測体験時間").