Entry No. 7 — the San Antonio file — filed under: planetarium
Scobee Planetarium & Scanlan Observatory
A working planetarium and telescope observatory hiding inside a community college campus: the full-dome Scobee Planetarium runs three shows a single night a week, and afterward you can climb up to the Powell Star Deck where Scanlan Observatory's 10-inch refractor telescope opens to the public for $3 a ticket, weather and staffing permitting. It's been running since 1961 and is named for Challenger commander (and SAC alum) Dick Scobee.
The story
You might pass San Antonio College's Tobin Hill campus a hundred times without realizing there is a working astronomical observatory tucked away inside. Opened in 1961, the facility was later renamed to honor SAC alumnus Dick Scobee—the commander of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger mission—tying the neighborhood directly to mid-century spaceflight history.
Unlike standard planetariums that rely purely on digital projections, this spot pairs its full-dome theater with actual glass optics. Up on the Powell Star Deck sits the Scanlan Observatory, which houses a classic 10-inch refractor telescope. Rather than staring at simulated pixels, you get to step outside onto the roof and look through a real lens at lunar craters, planetary rings, and deep-space objects.
What it's like
Public screenings and star deck access run only one night a week, which means showtimes fill up and timing your visit matters. You'll park on the SAC campus, head into the education center for the full-dome show, and then head up to the open-air deck. Keep in mind that viewing through the 10-inch refractor telescope is weather-dependent and subject to staff availability—if storm clouds or heavy overcast roll in, the roof dome stays shut.
The move: Grab the 8:00pm 'Sky Tonight Live' show, then walk straight to the observatory deck for the 9:30 or 10:30 telescope session — real aperture, not a projector — before splitting a $6 late show to close out the night.
- 📍 Tobin Hill (San Antonio College)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Holy Diver Tiki Lounge — After looking at the stars, head over to St. Mary's Strip to grab a drink in this hidden upstairs tiki sanctuary above Hi-Tones.
- Jazz, TX — Trade deep space for a subterranean 1920s supper club with live swing jazz in the basement of the Pearl.
- Flame & Form Metal Studio — Keep the hands-on Tobin Hill outing going with a late afternoon metalworking date at the bench before your planetarium show.
Good to know
When are planetarium shows and observatory deck open?
Public planetarium screenings and stargazing deck access run on a single night a week, so check the current schedule online before heading out.
How much is admission to the Scanlan Observatory?
Tickets for the Powell Star Deck telescope sessions are $3, provided clear weather and staff availability permit operation.
Who was Dick Scobee?
Francis "Dick" Scobee was an alumnus of San Antonio College who went on to command NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger.
Where is the facility located on campus?
It sits at 1819 N. Main Ave. within the San Antonio College campus in the Tobin Hill neighborhood.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: alamo.edu · kidpaths.com · Official site
last checked: 2026-07-20