Gilbert Riparian Observatory

About Gilbert Riparian Observatory

Gilbert Riparian Observatory lets visitors look through telescopes at stars, planets, and other celestial objects. The observatory operates Friday and Saturday evenings from sunset until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. On the second Friday of each month, a public star party offers additional telescopes provided by the East Valley Astronomy Club, along with an astronomy talk at the adjacent Gilbert Library. Visitors peer through computer-controlled telescopes to view evening planets like Mercury and Venus, or morning planets including Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The observatory also offers special events featuring solar viewing. Private viewings by reservation accommodate small groups Sunday through Thursday. During visits, volunteers answer astronomy questions while visitors wait to view. The observatory is located in the Gilbert Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona, next to the Gilbert Library. Admission is free.