Discover the color palet of the universe

New exposition 2026

Open every Friday

from 20:00 to 23:00

& every first Saturday of the month

from 13:00 to 16:00

More information

About the observatory

In the Kennemerduinen between Haarlem and Zandvoort lies Volkssterrenwacht Copernicus, where we welcome visitors for free since 1974 to experience the universe up close. Through our telescope, you can observe the moon, planets, stars, and the sun during the day.

There's always something to do, for young and old, even when it's cloudy. We offer lectures, a changing exhibition, courses, and an astrophotography working group.

The observatory is entirely run by volunteers and is recognized as a public benefit organization (ANBI non profit).

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Visit our observatory

Foto van kleurrijke sterren

New exposition

From Blue Supergiant to Red Dwarf

In the new season at our observatory, we focus on the great color palette of our night sky — from blue supergiant to red dwarf. We present beautiful examples of the different types of stars, how they are born, and how they meet their end. We also explain in which constellations you can find these stars. Often, we were able to choose stars that are clearly visible to the naked eye. You will never look at the night sky the same way again.

Agenda

Thursday 19 February

20:00 - 22:00

Het ontstaan van planeten

Friday 20 February

20:00 - 23:00

Star viewing night

Friday 27 February

20:00 - 23:00

National Stargazing Days: Friday

Saturday 28 February

13:00 - 23:00

National Stargazing Days: Saturday afternoon

View full agenda

Header cursus zoektocht naar buitenaards leven

New course: Search for extraterrestrial life

Our entry course has been a hit for decades. But one topic always sparked too many questions to fit: the search for extraterrestrial life. So, we’re giving it its own course.

Over four lessons, we’ll cover the basics of biological life, the search for water in our solar system, and the hunt for exoplanets and technosignatures. We’ll wrap up with the Fermi Paradox: if the odds of life are so high, why haven't we heard from anyone?

A pilot version starts in March with a mixed audience to fine-tune the content. You can still sign up for that now.

The final version launches later this year.

Komeet NEOWISE over de sterrenwacht op een half bewolkte avond

Entry Course Astronomy

Twice a year we organize an Entry Astronomy course. It starts in September or January. With this course, you will gain a good general understanding of astronomy. The course is intended for a general audience and does not require any special prior knowledge.

In this course, topics such as Sky Orientation, Origin and Life Cycle of Stars, The Birth of the Universe, and much more will be covered. Additionally, there will be two practical evenings where you will have the opportunity to observe through our telescope and learn to use a planisphere. The course is held exclusively in dutch.

Foto van de vrijwilligers op een uitje bij het Teylers Museum

Volunteers

At the Copernicus Observatory, everything is done by a group of passionate volunteers. They guide visitors, operate the telescope, and give presentations. In addition, they take care of maintenance, work on improvements, and carry out projects. There’s always plenty to do, which is why we’re constantly looking for people who’d enjoy helping out.

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