

The Observatory will not be open during inclement weather (rain, snow, clouds, etc.). You will be outside the entire viewing time.In order to look through the large Sam telescope, you will need to be able to climb two to three steps of a rolling safety ladder.From the handicap parking space, access to the Observatory is via a sidewalk and ramp.

From the general parking area, be prepared to walk up an inclined pathway with some steps as you make your way through the moon gardens to the Observatory building.Please social distance as much as possible.

To see our telescope mirror, go to and scroll about halfway down the page to see our “34″ f/3.6 visual Newtonian.” Phillips Family Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, provided funding for the fabrication of the telescope. It is the largest telescope in the Southeast US dedicated to public use. Named the “Sam Scope” in memory of Samuel Phillips, the telescope is an f/3.6 StarStructure Newtonian telescope, with a 34 inch (0.86 meters) mirror. If you have a registered service dog that you plan on bringing to a stargazing event, please contact a staff member at the Observatory prior to coming to the event to make special arrangements. No pets are allowed inside the Bare Dark Observatory. Closed-toed shoes and flashlights are highly recommended. Dress comfortably for nighttime weather, as it is sometimes chilly in the mountain air. Please arrive promptly at your designated time to the parking lot located at the Observatory. Parking is now available at the Observatory, including a handicap parking space close to the building. With the assistance of our two observatory Managers, visitors will spend two hours viewing and learning about the night sky.

Join us for an evening of stargazing as you’ve never seen before! Depending on the time of year and the moon phase, visitors will be able to view the moon, planets, and stars through our 34″ diameter mirror on our custom-built Newtonian telescope, as well as our smaller 14″ mirror Meade planetary telescope. The observatory sits at an elevation of 2,736 feet and offers a 360-degree view. The observatory provides a opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe while providing astronomy students with hands-on learning. The Bare Dark Sky Observatory, named for Warren and Larissa Bare, is located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County. Unfortunately, if the weather is below 36 degrees, the telescope electronics will not function properly and may result in the cancellation of the event. *Gift certificates are available and make the perfect gift! For information or questions please email Weather Alert- Ticket holders are asked to check their email for event updates 36 hours prior to their viewing time for any weather updates – we reserve the right to cancel the event due to slick, icy, or snowy conditions at the park & road conditions leading to the observatory hill. If you are feeling ill or have tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home and let us know so your tickets may be refunded, minus a small Eventbrite fee. Basic Law Enforcement Training (640 Hours)ĬOVID-19 Policy Information: Masks are optional and social distancing is still encouraged.
