Monthly Public Tours

Next Second Saturday Tour Date: April 8th, 2023

To join a Second Saturday tour, you must first register (Eventbrite link below). Registration is free. All tours occur under the following condition:

• Masking may be required on the day of your tour. Bring a mask, just in case. Visitors must adhere to LHO's masking policy on the day of the tour.

Tours depart from the new LIGO Exploration Center (LExC). Please park first in LExC's parking lot/overflow lot.

How to Register for a Tour:

Register for an April 8th tour. Note: Entry begins 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

You must present your event ticket to be admitted, so bring it with you on the day of your tour.

Thank you in advance. We look forward to seeing you!

Additional information about tours. Please read:

• Visitors do not require any special badging to visit LIGO
• The walking tour lasts about one hour and includes indoor and outdoor locations. Guests should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Photographs are welcome. However, we kindly request that you do not record/video staff members without their permission.
• LIGO tours are suitable for all ages. The talks are appropriate for visitors aged 12 and up, but all ages are welcome.
• LIGO’s facilities are wheelchair accessible, though you will encounter two slopes during the site tour itself.

What will I see?

During your visit you will have a chance to explore many interactive and static exhibits now housed in LHO's new LIGO Exploration Center (LExC). All of the artifacts that used to be in the lobby of LHO's small reception building are now housed in LExC, including the historic Weber Bar (one of the earliest devices designed to detect gravitational waves) and a full-scale engineering model of LIGO's quad suspension, a feat of engineering critical to LIGO's success. You will also visit the one point on the site where you can see both of the interferometer's 4km-long arms reaching into the Eastern Washington shrub steppe. A highlight for many guests is the interferometer's control room, where you will learn even more about LIGO directly from the people who maintain and operate the world's most sensitive measuring device. In addition to the tour, a fun and hands-on STEM challenge will be available in the LExC classroom. Questions enthusiastically welcome anywhere along your tour!