Welcome!  We are now taking reservations for tours of MIT's Wallace Astrophysical Observatory.  We will give first priority to tours that were canceled earlier this year.  After that, we will start scheduling new groups.  

What happens on a tour?  Our tour group will gather outside for a brief introduction and history of the site.  Then we will walk upstairs to one of our larger telescopes where visitors can view the night sky through an eyepiece.  Objects available vary night to night.  Typically, we will have the Moon, planets, galaxies and star clusters to see.  While we're looking, we'll try to answer any questions about astronomy or planetary science.  

Weather: Obviously a tour of the observatory in bad weather is not as fun, especially for kids.  If we think there is no hope (rain or >75% clouds), we may reschedule your tour.  If so, we'll try to let you know at least 2 days before. As long as we can still see the Moon, we'll proceed.

Updated rules for tours:

*All attendees must be fully vaccinated and boosted for Covid at the time of booking.  If your group needs more time, please do not fill out this form.
*Masks are not required, but encouraged as we will be in standing very close to one another in the domes.
*If you are sick, please reschedule.
*Attendees must be 6 years old or older.
*To fully access the telescopes, you must be able to climb stairs and ladders. If you require accommodations, please contact us ahead of time.
*No food or drink inside the buildings.

Cost: $5 suggested donation to MIT Wallace Observatory per person (payable by check, cash or online donation after tour has concluded).  

Available Nights: We generally schedule M-Th nights.  Weekend dates are rare.  Tours typically last about 1 hour. 

Please keep in mind it may take a few weeks to schedule smaller groups.  Larger groups, alumni/corporate events or additional requests: please fill out this form and then send us a follow up email.

Observatory Address: 50 Groton Rd., Westford, MA 01886

Contact us with additional questions at (617) 324-4744 or wao@mit.edu