News

Want to Know What's Happening Here?

As Yerkes has become a space at the confluence of culture, art, and science, we have so much going on. From our speaker series to our roster of tours to our star parties, keep up to date by getting on our email list, following us on social media, and visiting us in person. We're forever evolving into a place of diverse programs for kids and adults alike. Writers, artists, sculptors, photographers, musicians, engineers, chemists, tech innovators, and astronomers are collaborating to understand how science inspires the arts and how the arts inspire cosmic discovery. We're eager to work together at this epicenter of BIG IDEAS. What was a dormant institution a couple years ago and a construction site under full restoration just last year is now a vibrant place filled with enthusiasm, focus, and new voices in conversation. Discover what’s happening in Cobb & Hale's three domes and the junction of Olmsted ellipses. More importantly, discover how you can tap into the energy.

Our education team is growing!

We are excited to announce that we are hiring an education specialist to support our growing education and outreach offerings at Yerkes! This position offers a rare opportunity for the right candidate to make their mark on one of the iconic institutions and landscapes in the history of science. One of the major goals of…

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2026 Summer Internship at Yerkes Observatory

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 undergraduate summer internship at Yerkes Observatory! We encourage all eligible students to apply after reading the information and program FAQ below. By participating in this internship, students will: Applications for the internship closed on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5pm CT. Applicants should expect to hear back from us…

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A telescope pointed out an opening in an observatory dome at night.

Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates for Spring 2026

Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor tour tickets for Spring 2026 are available now on our ticketing website! We are thrilled to announce that tours will now take place three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. With only a small number of tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates…

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An observatory dome open at night with light shining from within.

Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates for Fall 2025

Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor tour tickets for Fall 2025 are available now on our ticketing website! With only a small number of tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes Observatory after dark. Curated by our Astronomy Team, each tour features a viewing of the cosmos…

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Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates for Summer 2025

Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor tour tickets for Summer 2025 are available now on our ticketing website! With only 12 tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes Observatory after dark. Curated by our Astronomy Team, each tour features a viewing of the cosmos with the largest…

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