Welcome to the Observatory of Épendes

Astronomy Day with partial solar eclipse and Messier evening on 29 March 2025

Partial solar eclipse

A partial solar eclipse will take place at noon on 29 March. The Épendes Observatory will be open from 11:00 to 13:00 for those interested and offers safe observation of the sun and the eclipse under clear skies.

No registration is required to view the partial solar eclipse

Messier evening

The Épendes Observatory invites you to a night of Messier objects on 29 March from 7 pm!

Our team of demonstrators will take you on a tour of the observatory and show you our instruments, the constellations of the spring sky and, depending on visibility, the planets and Messier objects.

For young and old, in a relaxed atmosphere, to discover the fascinating objects of the early sky. We also have a programme in case of bad weather.

In order to avoid waiting times and for the organisation, we are dependent on registration. Register now, places are limited!

Registration for the Messier evening

Booking mandatory

For logistical reasons, we request that visitors book their visit in the week before the event. The number of visitors is limited to 30 and to a maximum of 5 persons (including children) per booking. Events without bookings will not take place.

The registered visitors are expected to be there at the start of the visit; the Observatory doors will be closed once the visit has begun

The observatory in Épendes serves the purpose of popularization of astronomy. It is open every Friday evening free to the public in all weathers, as well as every first Sunday morning of each month weather permitting for observing the Sun. Registration is mandatory.
Observatory
Opening hours

Every friday, in all weathers,

  • 19.00–21.00 (November to March),
  • 21.00–23.00 (April and September-October),
  • 22.00–24.00 (May to August).

First Sunday of the month, 10.00 – 12.00, only in fine weather, for observing the sun.

Booking for school and group visits.

Getting here
Mini plan

Observatory of Épendes
Route du Petit-Épendes 45
CH–1731 Épendes (FR)

Support us

We would welcome your support, either by donating via Twint or to IBAN CH53 0076 8300 1688 1490 2 or by joining the Association of Friends of the Observatory of Épendes.

 

Twint logo Donate with TWINT

 

If you'd like to get actively involved (as a presenter, for maintenance tasks or as a collaborator in special activities), feel free to contact us.