Welcome to the John J. McCarthy Observatory

The Galactic Observer

The McCarthy Observatory publishes a monthly newsletter called The Galactic Observer.  The newsletter includes interesting space-related news, feature stories, current events  at JJMO, and a calendar of both upcoming and historical space milestones.

November 2024

October 2024

Previous Editions

We have changed our policy regarding masks and they are now optional.   Thank you for respecting anyone’s decision to continue wearing a face covering.

Second Saturday Stars & Special Events

Join us for our open to the public star party on the Second Saturday of every month! No reservations required and admission is always free.  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.  The observatory, which is ADA compliant, may also host special viewing events when possible for rare or interesting astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and transits.  There is ample parking at the front of the building.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

 

 

  

 

All of our previous Second Saturday installments are available on our YouTube channel please subscribe stay up to date with our latest events!

The next open house will be:

November 9, 2024

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location

The observatory is located on the south west side of the New Milford High School grounds, in the rear of the south parking lot next to the football field.

New Milford, Connecticut

AllSky Camera

The All-Sky Camera is a 180 degree field of view camera mounted on the roof of the observatory.  It monitors local weather/sky conditions, and captures meteors for potential analysis.  Click the image above for more information.

On the Observatory Grounds

Scale Solar System Walk

Kathleen Fischer Sundial

Galileo’s Garden