Music of the Spheres 2025

Doors open 1 hour before the concert begins.Numbered telescope viewing passes will be distributed in the order that General admission guests come through the door. Preferred patrons have reserved lower number passes for telescope viewing.

Telescope passes are handed to guests on a first-come, first-served basis as they enter the building. When observing begins, a volunteer will ask the group for those people with the ten lowest pass numbers. This group will then enter the dome for observing.

We do NOT take numbers in exact order; we always take the ten lowest at the time the dome has the capacity for more guests. If you have a high telescope number, we encourage you to attend the lectures or view through the telescopes set up outside.

We do NOT close until everyone has had the chance to look through the telescopes.

However, observing is weather permitting. Clouds or smokey air may limit our ability to observe but the event will still proceed.

We advise that children be at least 12 years old to participate. We trust parents and caregivers to use their judgment in determining the suitability of purchasing a ticket for their child.

Due to the historic construction of the telescope domes, the 36-inch Great Refractor Telescope and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope are not wheelchair accessible at this time. Those who have difficulty navigating stairs may also find the telescopes inaccessible.

Please allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is good, but windy. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening. Parking is limited at the Observatory, so we encourage car pooling. There are no automative services or gas stations for 20 miles, so please plan ahead. See more information on driving directions and parking here.

Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes.  It can get surprisingly cold and windy after dark, so a sweater or coat is recommended.

Please be careful when walking around in the dark outside; bringing a flashlight is recommended. Children under age 12 are not allowed at this event.

Lick Observatory souvenirs and astronomy merchandise will be available for purchase between 7:30 to 11:30 p.m at the gift shop. You can also visit our gift shop online 24/7.

Snacks and beverages will be available near the Nickel Telescope. Vending machines and fountain water are also available.

We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs) by emailing tickets@ucolick.org, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

All events are held at the Lick Observatory Main Building visitor center. Directions and parking

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