Hours of Operation

Students

The NGAO is open to students any clear night Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The observatory is open Monday through Thursday beginning 7:30 pm EST during standard time (9:30 pm EDT during daylight savings time).

Public Education Nights

The general public and students are also invited to come out on Friday nights after the planetarium show for Observatory-Planetarium Public Education Nights (OPEN), weather permitting. The Friday OPEN program always begins at 9:30 pm during daylight or standard time.

For More Information

Daily Operational Status

Call 706-864-8642 after 5:30 pm EST (7:30 pm EDT) for daily operational status.   Also see our Observatory Status Page. 

School/Group Visits

For information about school or other group visits to the observatory, please e-mail Dr. Jones at jjones@northgeorgia.edu.

How to Find the Observatory

NGAO is located approximately 4 miles west of Dahlonega off of highway 9, 0.4 mile past the junction with highway 52.  The George E. Coleman, Sr. Planetarium is located in the H&NS Building on campus.  See Maps - Directions on the menu list above left.