Comet ISON
Coming This Fall - If It Survives!
Comet ISON is soaring through the sky and
Chabot Space & Science Center is here to be your guide!
A pristine visitor from the Oort Cloud, sungrazing comet ISON will either sizzle as a spectacular sky show, or fizzle as it is torn apart by the Sun. Join us for comet related activities over the course of its journey and stay tuned for updates on its perilous trek around our Sun.
- Check back here for regular updates on ISON’s progression, Center related activities, and image updates (as available).
- Have a question about ISON or comets in general? Ask a scientist at PR@ChabotSpace.org your question and an anwser may appear on our website or our social media outlets.
| SCENARIO 1 | SCENARIO 2 | SCENARIO 3 |
 ISON evaporates under intense tidal forces and solar radiation. |
 ISON emerges in smaller chunks. (could happen any time) |
 ISON survives and emerges so bright it may be visible on Earth in daylight. |
Comet ISON's Travel
(Check back for weekly progress updates)
- Coming Soon
Upcoming Events
Please Note: Comet viewing is not guaranteed and weather permitting for outside viewing. Please check our weather station for more day-of details or call us at (510) 336-7373 for more information.
September
- Saturday, September 14 & 28
Comet Workshop (2:30pm - 3:30pm)
Included with General Admission
Come learn all about the latest news on comet ISON, headed towards the Sun and potentially visible in the fall and early winter! Our resident comet expert will lead you through the ins and outs of comets and you'll get a chance to make a real comet yourself!
October
- Saturday, October 26
Comet Viewing (4:30am) & Dawn Hike (6am)
$10 (does not include Admission to the Center)
Call (510) 336-7373 for Reservations
The best time to see the Comet ISON will be early morning, so rise and shine for a special look at it through our telescopes, and then take an early morning journey into the redwoods on a moderate 3 mile hike.
November
- Saturday, November 9
Dawn Star Stories (4:30am - 6:30am)
$10 (Children 1 & Under Free)
Call (510) 336-7373 for Reservations
In special celebration of the early morning Comet ISON, we invite you to bring your sleeping bags and blankets and come listen to an expert stargazer explain the mythology behind the constellations, stories from the early morning sky, look for planets, and view the rare comet as it passes across the early morning sky. - Saturday, November 30
Comet Celebration (11am - 4pm)
Included with General Admission
Simulated Space Mission: $10
As Comet ISON heads towards the Sun, we'll eagerly await its fate! In the meantime, come to Chabot and discover the wonders behind comets. Launch a bottle "comet" high into the sky! Make a comet in our comet workshop! Or, speak to our resident comet expert on our observatory deck and take a trip to outer space with a unique Challenger Learning Center® simulated mission specially designed to explore comets.
December
(if the comet survives & conditions are favorable)
- Friday, December 27 & Saturday, December 28
Nighttime Comet Stories (9pm - 11pm)
$10 (Children 1 & Under Free)
Call (510) 336-7373 for Reservations
Called the "Comet of the Century," Comet ISON will be appearing bright in the late night sky. Come to our observatory deck and witness history in the making. Listen to our resident comet expert explain the comet's path and what makes this comet so special. Bring binoculars, blankets and warm clothes. Hot beverages will be for sale.