About

The Leitner Family Observatory & Planetarium is a facility of the Yale Department of Astronomy dedicated to education, public outreach, and student research.

The observatory has two permanently mounted telescopes. The historic 8-inch Reed refractor, mounted in the east dome, was purchased by Yale in 1882 to study the transit of Venus across the face of the sun that occurred that year. The telescope was refurbished in 2004, and it is now used for visual observations of planets and stars. A computer-controlled, 0.4 meter reflecting telescope is mounted in the west dome.

Our digital planetarium theater uses a Spitz SciDomeHD system to simulate the Universe at any time from any place or to play back high-definition, fulldome videos. We use the planetarium to teach astronomy concepts in our undergraduate classes, to present programs for local school groups, to support astronomy programs at the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and to present planetarium shows to the general public. Each public night features a spectacular planetarium show, suitable for most ages*.

*children younger than first grade age might struggle with attention and the dark environment.

Join us for public night every Tuesday evening beginning August 26, 2026 at the Leitner Family Observatory & Planetarium! Before you come, be sure to check the announcement banner at the top of the website for the most up-to-date information or cancellations, as well as our calendar for planning purposes.