Night at the Observatory Cancelled

Due to equipment issues that are still being repaired, Night at the Observatory on Oct. 16 has been cancelled. 

While we were looking forward to welcoming the community to Tombaugh Observatory, the safety and comfort of our guests come first. We are working to complete the necessary repairs and will announce a new date as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, we encourage you to enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful night skies on your own and start thinking about the questions you’d like to ask our astronomers when Night at the Observatory returns. 

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you under the stars soon! 

Explore the Skies with NMSU Astronomy and the NMSU Foundation! 

Join us for a free evening of stargazing and discovery. 

Date: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Clyde W. Tombaugh Campus Observatory

View the night sky through three observatory telescopes, meet NMSU astronomers and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate bar hosted by the NMSU Foundation! 

Special Giveaway:

The first 20 attendees will receive a poster signed by Clyde Tombaugh, the NMSU professor who discovered Pluto in 1930 and helped establish astronomy research at NMSU. 

Location Details:

Clyde W. Tombaugh Observatory, Williams Street near Stewart 

Look for the three domed buildings just south of the parking lots and in front of the track facility. 

Experience NMSU’s astronomy legacy and the wonders of the cosmos under New Mexico’s night sky!