Public Viewing
Selu Observatory is open to the public for viewing one half hour after sunset every CLEAR Friday.
We will open one half hour after sunset during Daylight Saving Time, and at 7 p.m. during Standard Time. Sessions usually last about two hours, but may run longer or shorter depending on interest and sky conditions (if in doubt, check the forecast for an indication of what to expect). Many interesting objects can be seen throughout the year.
There is no charge for public night viewing and the Observatory is open to anyone wanting to attend.
Directions and a map are found below.
♦ ♦ Notice ♦ ♦
The observatory dome is nearly 30 feet above the ground, accessed by a narrow spiral stair. If you are afraid of heights, access to the dome can be difficult. Please plan accordingly.
Schedule
The observatory will be staffed and open Friday nights, weather permitting. Viewing will be open to anyone interested.
| Date | Notes/Featured Object | Presenter |
| February 27 | open | J McLarty |
| March 6 | open (RU Spring Break begins) | J Brockway |
| March 13 | open (RU Spring Break) | J Brockway |
| March 20 | open | B Veitz |
| March 27 | open - Blacksburg Parks & Recreation group | J Allen |
| April 3 | open - 100 Hours of Astronomy | J McLarty |
| April 10 | open | J Brockway |
| April 17 | open | B Veitz |
| April 24 | open - Blacksburg Parks & Recreation group | J Allen |
| May 1 | open | J McLarty |
| May 8 | closed (RU exam week) | J Brockway |
| May 15 | open | |
| May 22 | open | |
| May 29 | open |
As always, the observatory will not be open if weather conditions prevent viewing.
Directions to the Observatory
- Turn at Quality Inn Suites in Radford onto Lovely Mount Drive; proceed for 0.8 mile
- Turn LEFT onto Dry Valley Road and cross the bridge over the interstate (I-81); proceed for 1.4 mile
- Turn RIGHT onto Sale-Selu Lane;
The turn is easy to miss; portions of this road are unpaved .
Follow the road to the end, where it will climb a hill and stop at the Selu Conservancy retreat center. The building that looks like a barn with a silo houses Selu Observatory
Printable Map 