Public Outreach & Star Parties

Besides being open to the public on clear Saturday nights, Skyscrapers also hosts star parties and similar events for schools and scout groups throughout the year- both at Seagrave Observatory and offsite.

Due to parking limitations, Seagrave Observatory can accomodate a group no larger than 35 (plus chaperones). For larger groups we can schedule a date to host a star party at your school or organization.

For offsite star parties, several of our members will volunteer to bring their personal telescopes to your location and show you the sky, as well as answer your questions about their telescopes, what to see and how to look at the sky, how to get started in astronomy, and how to buy binoculars or a telescope.

Keep in mind when scheduling a star party that the sun sets much later in June, at the end of the school year, and it doesn't get dark enough to appreciate the universe until almost 10:00pm. For most of the youngsters this is well past bedtime. The time of the year when you can start seeing stars the earliest is in December. It sure gets cold at night, but December also produces some of the clearest weather of the year. In general, most of autumn is the optimum time of year for star parties and observing. Spring is also an option, but the weather is usually not as cooperative as it is in the fall.

Due to scheduling limitations (we are all volunteers afterall) and the unpredictability of Southern New England weather, rain dates cannot always be guaranteed.

If you would like to schedule a star party, or for more information, please contact our Star Party Coordinator.