State park to reopen on select weekends through remainder of 2019
UPDATE Nov. 7: Please note the special Transit of Mercury program is only on Monday, Nov. 11.
OLYMPIA – Oct. 30, 2019 – Goldendale Observatory’s giant telescope will provide a special viewing of the transit of Mercury – a celestial event that won’t happen again until 2032.
The program is open to the public and runs from 6:30 – 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site, 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale. (Driving directions)
Newly renovated Goldendale Observatory.
The park’s educational facility and world-class telescope will be open on a limited basis beginning Friday, Nov. 8. Park staff will host an informal open house at 11 a.m. on Nov. 8, and the public is invited to attend.
The reopening follows a major renovation of the 46-year-old facility. The observatory will be open for three select weekends through the end of the year:
Opening Weekend
Friday, Nov. 8, Informal Open House: 11 a.m.
Nov. 9, 10: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Special viewing of Mercury Transit: Nov. 11: 6:30-10:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Nov. 30, Dec. 1: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Christmas/New Year's Weekend
Dec. 27, 28, 29: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Anyone interested in attending the open house, the transit of Mercury or visiting the observatory this winter must schedule a visit during these dates and times. Contact the park at (509) 773-3141 or goldendale.observatory@parks.wa.gov.
Admission to Goldendale Observatory is free. A Discover Pass is needed most days, but Monday, Nov. 11, is one of Washington State Parks' 12 yearly free days. This free day is in honor of Veterans Day. Visitors to Goldendale Observatory on this day will not need a Discover Pass.
Some of the observatory’s exhibits are still under construction. Washington State Parks expects the observatory to be fully operational by spring 2020. A grand opening celebration is planned for that time.
The observatory closed in April 2018 to undergo a $5.6 million upgrade. The enhanced visitor experience includes an expanded auditorium and lobby, a larger parking lot, new exhibits and an upgraded main telescope.
A transit of Mercury occurs when the planet passes in front of the sun. Those who wish to view the transit and can’t make it to the Goldendale Observatory program should take proper safety precautions.
About the Goldendale Observatory
The Goldendale Observatory is home to one of the nation’s largest publicly accessible telescopes. The observatory is situated on five hilltop acres 2,100 feet above sea level and 2 miles north of downtown Goldendale. The site is well-known for its vivid sunsets, stunning daytime views of the countryside and magnificent views of the universe at night. The park has attracted hundreds of thousands of sky-watchers since its dedication in 1973. Learn more about the park and observatory.
#transitofmercury
Editor’s note: Unlike many of the observatory’s programs, the viewing of the Mercury transit takes place during daylight hours.
Media contacts:
Jill Sprance-Carr, Area Manager, (509) 773-3145
Anna Gill, Communications Office, (360) 902-8562
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-086