John J. McCarthy Observatory

As part of our continuing mission to foster interest and promote science education the McCarthy Observatory maintains several educational programs for students, teachers and the general public.

The links on this page jump to detailed descriptions of each of these project areas as well as provide current status information and developments in each area.

The Student Worldwide Astronomy Network (SWAN) combines the efforts of multiple observatories in providing opportunities for students to perform advanced projects in astronomy.

Student Projects are activities being performed by local students at the observatory either as science projects or as part of the curriculum in their schools. This area provides descriptions of proposed projects for consideration, and reviews of projects underway.

The McCarthy Observatory has an extensive Reference Library of educational texts, astronomical charts and data, and general information books that can be borrowed or used by students and teachers who are actively studying astronomy and related subjects. The library is the most comprehensive of its type below the university level in the state of Connecticut.

The staff of the McCarthy Observatory is dedicated to helping teachers find ways to foster excitement and interest in the sciences, patricularly astronomy. In this area we provide Teaching Aids including reference materials, grade levels standards and content guidelines, and suggestions which we believe will help in the preparation of lesson plans and project activities for students.