Welcome to the John J. McCarthy Observatory!

The Mission of the John J. McCarthy Observatory is to further science literacy, both for students and adults of the Western Connecticut region. With the great appeal of Astronomy, it is a natural tool for creating scientific curiosity and reinforcing interest and skills in science.

The all-volunteer staff of the Observatory is dedicated to exciting people to the joys of science and related fields of mathematics and technology.

Second Saturday Stars

Join us for our free and open to the public star party on the Second Saturday of every month! Each month a new presentation is given on an astronomy related topic. If weather permits, a variety of telescopes are available for public viewing of seasonal celestial objects.

This month’s topic:

New telescope users: Bring your equipment and join us in the Newbie Help Corner on the SkyDeck, where one of our knowledgeable volunteers will assist in the set-up and use of your telescope.

The observatory is located on the grounds of New Milford High School on Rte. 7 in New Milford. Enter the high school grounds from Larson Rd., drive to the southwest corner and park in the lot in front of the observatory. Bring questions (and binoculars); we hope to see you there!

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS:

  October 13 – Apollo 8, 50 Years Later
  November 19 – The JJMO SkyCam
  December 8 – The InSight Mission to Mars