Come to Chabot Space & Science Center and touch a real space suit, view a show in the planetarium and observe constellations in the night sky through one of its large telescopes. Learn how stars are born and examine the surface of the sun, then sit back in the IMAX theater for a stunning space show.
The Chabot Space & Science Center dates back to 1883, when it was known as the Oakland Observatory. The original telescope is now joined by two other models and the 86,000-square-foot (8,000-square-meter) center uses state-of-the-art technology to educate visitors about the wonders of space.
Head to the Ask Jeeves Planetarium for a spectacular show on the 70-foot (21-meter) diameter screen. Enjoy one of the pre-recorded films such as Astronaut, which details what it is like to be a space explorer. Shows are live twice a week. The Tien Megadome puts on additional space-related entertainment. Take a seat before the 60-foot (18-meter) IMAX screen to enjoy films like SolarMax, which transports you 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away to observe the surface of the sun.
Don’t miss the center’s three telescopes. “Leah” is the original telescope from 1883. “Rachel” was made in 1914 and is the largest refractor telescope in the United States that is open to the public. The newest telescope, “Nellie,” was added in 2003 and covers a 180-degree view of the sky. During the daytime you can view the sun, the moon and Venus. Come on a Friday or Saturday night, however, and you have the opportunity to peer at the constellations through each of the lenses. Viewings are conducted when weather permits.
Most visitors spend between three and five hours at the Chabot Space & Science Center. If you get hungry, the Space Café provides a range of meals and snacks. Shop for space-related souvenirs in the gift shop.
The Chabot Space & Science Center is located within Redwood Regional Park, in the hills east of Oakland. Buses run here and the center also provides free parking. The center is open from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the year, with longer opening hours on Friday and Saturday nights. During summer, Chabot is also open on Tuesdays. It’s closed on November 27 (Thanksgiving) and December 25 (Christmas).
