Welcome to Photography Night at Lick Observatory
Bring your camera and photograph one of the most scenic spots in the Bay Area. Just 20 miles from San Jose, Lick Observatory sits 4,200 feet atop Mt. Hamilton, offering breathtaking sunsets and stunning night sky views. A longtime favorite for photographers, this iconic location is perfect for capturing the beauty of the cosmos and the historic observatory.
This event does NOT include observing through the telescope.
Learn more about Photography Night here!
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General sales start on April 16th.
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EVENT SCHEDULE
July 19, 2025
7:30 pm: Gates Open. Sunset photography, 36-inch Refractor dome open
8:33 pm: Sunset
9:00 pm: Gates Close – Latest Arrival Time
9:32 pm: 12 Degree Twilight (Nautical Twilight)
10:13 pm: 18 Degree Twilight (Astronomical Twilight)
12:00 pm: Main Building and 36-inch Refractor Dome Close
1:00 am: Event Ends
TICKET DETAILS
One ticket provides entry for ONE car with a maximum of FOUR people per car.
PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS
The
 
36-inch Great Refractor telescope
 will be placed in a photogenic position, with the dome open, weather permitting for the entirety of the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to photograph the sunset from Mt Hamilton, as well as do night-time photography of the sky.
Photographers are welcome to enter the Great Refractor Dome and take interior pictures of the telescope.
Drones are NOT allowed on observatory property.
WEATHER
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the event will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund. We will aim to notify you at least 24 hours in advance.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Plan to arrive early to get your spot and set up.
Gates will be closed
 after sunset for night time photography. Please arrive before the time listed above to gain entry to the event.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Photography Nights are perfect for honing your skills. Here are a few items that will make your night more successful.
Tripod: Essential for stable, long exposures.
Fast lens: Lower apertures (f/1.4–f/2.8) let in more light, though longer exposures work with higher f-stops.
Bulb setting: Learn to manually adjust aperture and exposure before it gets dark.
Cable release: Helps prevent shaking when starting exposures.
Lens stabilization: Turn off if using a tripod.
GETTING TO THE OBSERVATORY
Allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is winding so expect to drive slowly.
There are no gas stations, EV charging stations, or automotive services at Lick Observatory. The nearest gas station is 20 miles away in San Jose.
See more information on 
driving directions and parking here
.
AGE RESTRICTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Children under age 12 are not recommended to attend. Photography Nights are attended by serious photographers with a lot of equipment, this event is not suitable for younger children.
Due to the historic nature of the observatory, the Great Refractor dome is NOT wheel chair accessible. 
If you have questions about accessibility support please contact us at 
tickets@ucolick.org
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE
Wear casual, comfortable warm layers and walking shoes. After dark it can be windy and cold.
REFRESHMENTS
No food is available at Lick Observatory. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the gift shop when it is open. Vending machines and water fountains are also accessible.
SAFETY
We recommend you bring a small flashlight - lighting is limited outside the buildings.
CONTACT US
If you can’t find the answer to a question here please contact us at 
tickets@ucolick.org
Information Source: Lick Observatory | eventbrite

Santa Clara County

United States

Mount Hamilton

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