John J. McCarthy Observatory - New Milford, CT - Astronomical Observatories on Waymarking.com

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With the great appeal of Astronomy, it is a natural tool for creating scientific curiosity and reinforcing interest and skills in science.

The John J. McCarthy Observatory is a world-class astronomical observatory (International Astronomical Union code 932) located on the campus of the New Milford High School, on Route 7 in New Milford Connecticut.

It is a state-of-the-art educational and research facility. It is open to all: students, community groups, the general public, educators, and researchers with no charge for its use. The facility is equipped with complete accessibility for the disabled, including a lift for wheelchair users, voice activated telescope control software, and a flexible eyepiece extender.

The McCarthy Observatory facility consists of several main sections:

The main observing deck – under a 16 foot dome is housed a main telescope stack mounted on an equatorial pier and computer driven mount system. Behind that is a lift system that allows wheelchair users to access the telescopes. A curved staircase allows access and egress for visiting groups. Computer monitors and camera monitors are on the deck for control and image viewing by visitors. Computer controlled dome rotation, camera control focus control and filter selection can all be done from the deck or from the control room.
The control room/classroom – adjacent to the observing deck is a combination of a small classroom, the technology center, a lending library, and the control computers on a work counter. All computers are linked to a server, and to an overhead projector that allows us to project on a screen at the end of the room for visitors, classes, and project work.
Storage areas under the deck and in a storage room adjacent to the restroom for telescopes, accessories and educational support materials.
The 1,000 square foot outdoor observing deck, with four telescope piers and light blinds to give visitors a “dark sky” experience during our star party events,
The 3,000 square foot “Galileo’s Garden” adjacent to the outdoor deck, with many benches for visiting groups.
The entire facility is wired with ethernet cable and power outlets within easy reach. Twelve fiber-optic cables provide connection to the school and outside world for internet connection and video productions.

Other facility features include a weather station, a very accurate GPS-driven time management system, and a satellite dish that receives the NASA station transmissions, which can be broadcast from the observatory. The entire observatory and outside areas are fully ADA compliant.

Included in the artifacts collection at present:

A flown Space Shuttle main landing gear tire for a mission to the Hubble telescope in 1997 (STS-82)
A slice of the actual mirror system of the Chandra X-ray telescope
Two shuttle heat-shield tiles – one high-temperature (<2,300°F) with black borosilicate coating and one low-temperature (<1,200°F) white silica tile
A large collection of meteorites, including one that is older than the solar system
A very large NASA “museum-quality” mural set of composite images of Spiral Galaxy M101
A second flown Space Shuttle main landing gear tire, complete with rim and brake drum for the Return to Flight in 2005 (STS-114)


We were very fortunate to have a private guided tour by Bob!

Observatory Purpose: Private Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: Yes Radio Telescopes?: No Open to the Public?: Yes Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes Active Observatory?: Active Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 6 to 10 Site URL: [Web Link] Year Dedicated or Opened: 2000 Solar Telescopes?: Not listed Is this a Club Observatory?: Not listed Altitude (meters): Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)

If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!

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