Public Viewing Nights

Weekly Stargazing at Westport Observatory

Every Wednesday, if the skies are clear, the Westport Astronomical Society holds a public viewing night.

Join us for public stargazing at the Westport Observatory between 8pm and 10pm. Our volunteers set up telescopes so you can see the highlights of the night sky, open to all ages and experience levels.

Please note:

• We do not open until 8pm unless by special arrangement, so please don’t arrive too early.
• If you plan to bring a large group (more than five people) it is very helpful if you let us know in advance so we can discuss any special arrangements. Email the Observatory at observatory@was-ct.org
• Public viewing ends at 10pm.
• This outdoor event can get very cold so dress appropriately, especially in winter
• In June and July, please do not come until after sunset – there’s nothing to see until around 9 pm for a month on either side of the summer solstice.

Check the weather before you set off!

If it’s cloudy, rainy, or snowy, the Observatory will remain closed. From Wednesday lunchtime, this website has a banner on the front page stating whether we will be open or closed that night.

Location:
182 Bayberry Lane, Westport, CT – up the hill behind the Aspetuck Health District. Directions available HERE.

Parking & Arrival:
Parking is limited. If full, park at the Aspetuck Health District lot at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Please turn off headlights after you park and avoid using white flashlights to preserve night vision (red lights only).

Observing Etiquette:

• Do not touch or move telescopes without permission.
• Follow volunteer instructions when using the equipment.
• Avoid touching the eyepiece when looking through the telescope.
• Be patient; lines may form, but everyone will see exciting objects.
• Feel free to ask questions!
• When lines are short, you may use your phone to photograph celestial objects like the Moon or planets (results vary).

Enjoy the wonders of the night sky with us!

BUY US A COFFEE: While our public viewing nights are always free, a suggested donation of $5 per person helps us to run our non-profit organization, maintaining our telescopes and facilities for years to come. We rely on support from people like you and are always looking for new members to join our society. Our 100% volunteer team believes that keeping science in our community makes it better for everyone.

Weather and updates at the Westport Observatory

Below is Astropheric; it’s the astronomers forecast showing present and future cloud cover, temperatures, seeing, transparency, the jet stream, smoke, ISS passes, light pollution and more over the Westport Observatory.