Visiting the Pine Mountain Observatory
- Can the public visit PMO?
- How Much Does it Cost?
- Where is Pine Mountain Observatory?
- Is there a place to camp overnight?
- What precautions are recommended?
Can the Public Visit Pine Mountain Observatory?
YES! We welcome visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings (we’re closed Sundays) from late May through the last Friday/Saturday in September, weather permitting. Skies need to be clear, "Dark Moon" weekends are best. Full Moon weekends are least favorable. A Moon phase calculator is available to help you plan your visit. Additionally, you may enjoy an observatory virtual tour.
Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring a group of more than eight people by calling (541) 382-8331. We may be able to arrange visits at other times by advance reservation.
Programs commence at 9:00 p.m. through mid-summer, then move back to 8:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. start times by September, as darkness falls earlier.
How Much Does it Cost?
To defray expenses and improve our outreach program, we encourage a $5.00 donation per person.
Where is Pine Mountain Observatory?
PMO is located 34 miles southeast of Bend, in Central Oregon. Take State Highway 20 east from Bend, toward Burns. 26 miles from Bend, just beyond the tiny Millican store (CLOSED) turn on the dirt road and follow it to the top of Pine Mountain, about 8 miles. This drive requires about an hour from Bend. Be sure you have enough fuel to return to Bend and be sure to bring warm clothing, food and water.
Map to Pine Mountain Observatory.
ODOT Highway Information
What can I Expect When I Visit Pine Mountain Observatory?
After parking, walk past the kiosk and go to the greeting center/gift shop. Here you will be given information concerning the evening’s activities and how to proceed. A large tent is positioned directly across from the greeting center. Here you can learn about basic astronomy, what objects will be featured during your visit, participate in an interactive lecture, and learn how to navigate around the PMO site.
Visitors are provided with a tour of the large telescopes. Be sure to pick up a free Sky Map. At sunset, viewing of the moon and bright planets begins, clear skies permitting. As the sky darkens, tour guides show visitors objects through the various telescopes and a pair of giant binoculars. They also point out a variety of celestial objects visible with the naked eye.
To enhance your experience, tour-guides explain in detail about what you see. Your questions and comments are greatly appreciated. Our 24" telescope is the prime visual instrument for visitor viewing and it has an attached CCD Camera to create wide-field images. Often, several smaller portable telescopes will be available nearby. The 32” telescope down the path to the east is used for research work Sunday through Thursday. It is configured with a camera at its prime focus which precludes visual observing, however, images produced by the camera are available for viewing.
Once again, check in at the greeting center/gift shop for a selection of DVDs and books about astronomy, plus many other souvenirs and educational items. We offer a free handout sheet about general astrophysics, as well as projects that you can do to observe the sky.
When skies are clear, PMO guides often stay up all night viewing! Frequently, they set up their personal telescopes for visitor use. Some portable scopes are larger than the ones in the domes! Amateur astronomers are always welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars; electrical power is available if needed. If you are bringing up your own viewing equipment, please arrive well before dusk to get set up.
Is There a Place to Camp Overnight?
Yes, a primitive Forest Service Campground, open on a first-come-first-served basis is located just across the road from PMO. It is rarely full but you may want to call and inquire how busy the Observatory schedule is, especially during the new moon dates. The camping area consists of 4 drive in sites that can hold trailers up to 27 feet in length, and there are 10 "hike" in sights for tent camping. There are no camping fees. Campground use regulations are the same as any National Forest Camp and are posted. It has one outhouse, no power hookups, water or trash services. Please "pack it out." Open fires are regulated by danger levels set by the Forest Service. Fire restrictions are posted in the campground and along the road just past the 3rd cattle guard on the way up. Don't forget to bring water to drink and extra water to douse campfires.
Please note that the nearest hotels are in Bend, approximately an hour drive from the Observatory.
What Precautions are Recommended?
PMO is at an elevation of 6,300 feet, therefore temperatures can drop below freezing, even on summer nights. Please bring warm clothing. Click here for up-to-the-minute weather information
The buildings are separated by natural mountain terrain and stairs, and the buildings contain stairs. Please wear protective footwear and expect to climb steps. You should bring a SMALL flashlight to help you find your way in the dark; a red colored shield will be required to protect everyone's night vision.
We welcome children (grade school and up), but small children and infants will probably not be comfortable in this environment.
For Information/Questions or to Schedule Class or Group Visits:
Call 541-382-8331 (PMO-Bend Exchange) or contact us via email at pmo@uoregon.edu.