FAQ

Are prior reservations required?

Yes, reservations are required. The available dates and the target objects for each night are listed at:Calendar & Registration

Can I change the reservation time after making a reservation?

No, reservation times cannot be changed. Please register again for the desired time. Please understand that if the deadline has closed, you will not be able to reregister.

What time will the Regular Stargazing (On-site) end?

See below as a standard schedule.

April-September	Group 1 (Reception 19:30-19:40) will end around 20:30
	Group 2 (Reception 20:05-20:15) will end around 21:05
October-March	Group 1 (Reception 18:30-18:40) will end around 19:20
	Group 2 (Reception 19:00-19:10) will end around 19:50
	Group 3 (Reception 19:30-19:40) will end around 20:20

I want to visit NAOJ by car. Is there parking lot?

Please use a Toll Parking for Visitors in the back gate of the Mitaka campus. (Please enter the back gate. You cannot pas through the campus if you enter the main gate.) The closing time of toll parking is extended only to the day of the stargazing event.
Refer to Access 　By car, motorcycle and bicycle ＞ About Parking for Cars and Bicycles

What happens if the weather is cloudy or raining?

When it is cloudy enough that stars cannot be seen with the naked eye, astronomical observation cannot be conducted, but orientations about the celestial objects and tours of the telescope will be conducted. Whether or not observations are possible will be decided the day of the event and announced via X (former Twitter) (Japanese language only.)
Follow @naoj_kanboukai

Will there be a chance to ask questions about astronomy?

Please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Will children be able to understand the orientation?

We strive to make the explanations as easy to understand as possible. (The presentations make ample use of pictures and various computer programs.) We think it will be enjoyable for children.

Could you please instruct about the constellations?

We will guide the night sky when we have a clear sky on an On-site day. We can introduce brighter stars, but not so many constellations are distinguishable from Mitaka.