Stargazing - Astrotourism in Connecticut

With cities like Boston and New York, it’s hard to find a spot for guaranteed stargazing anywhere along the east coast unless you move further north and west. Camping through the night may improve your chances. Here are a few Connecticut state parks and forests where you can camp under the stars:

• Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• American Legion State Forest, Barkhamsted
• Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret

Connecticut has quite a few privately operated observatories around the state that offer public viewing on certain nights. And be sure to check with each location before venturing out, as hours may change.

Rolnick Observatory, Westport (header picture)
Visit Connecticut’s largest public-viewing telescope at the Westport Astronomical Society’s Rolnick Observatory.  

Bowman Observatory, Greenwich
Affiliated with the Bruce Museum, this observatory is open to the public free of charge, and if skies are clear, and also for special celestial events.

Westside Observatory, Danbury
Start with a visit to the planetarium on the Western Connecticut State University campus and then head to the Westside Observatory to get a look at the real thing.

Many observatories are associated with colleges and universities, while others are connected to local astronomy societies. Each has scheduled days when you can find public viewing or keep up with astronomical events.

Here are few less formal viewing spots that offer unobstructed views of the skies at night. Pack your binoculars and telescopes and head out to these locations. Use the Mattatuck Astronomical Society’s Clear Sky Chart to plan your viewing.

Talcott Mountain Science Center, Avon
Look at the night skies from a mountain top, where astronomers will tell fascinating facts while giving you a look at the stars through multiple telescopes.

Grace Farms, New Canaan
A stunning spot during the daylight, and even more so on starry nights. From watching meteor showers to learning about circumpolar constellations in the skies above Connecticut, Grace Farms hosts events for stargazers throughout the year.

White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield hosts the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club's star parties.