Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust is sponsoring a tour of the John J. McCarthy Observatory located on the grounds of New Milford High School on Rte 7 in New Milford. At the Observatory imaging of galaxies, planets, asteroids, the moon, and comets is done regularly by staff and users of the observatory on state of the art equipment both for scientific investigation and “capturing the magnificence of the heavens.”
Director Monte Robson will be our tour guide. The observatory began in 2000 as a result of Mr. Robson’s desire to excite students to science in order to improve critical thinking skills of tomorrow’s citizens. In 2005 they officially became a non-profit, and developed a relationship with the School Board, and the town of New Milford. They expanded the facility in 2006 to include water, restrooms, and a 1,000 square foot outdoor observing deck with four telescope piers.
Amazingly, the Observatory is operated entirely by volunteers including the design, and primarily the building of the facility. More than 90% of all funding has come from private and Foundation donations.
The Observatory is constantly growing, and now includes an impressive artifacts collection, the Don Besaw Space Library with 400 plus books on space related topics, and a 3,000 square foot Galileo’s Garden. For more information please visit www.mccarthyobservatory.org.
Please join us for this exciting tour of the John J. McCarthy Observatory as we view the moon, planets, and stars, with a focus on Mars. Please bring questions, binoculars, and dress warmly. Cost is: $12 Members/$15 non-members. Registration is necessary, please call Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, 203-263-3711, x 12 or visit www.flandersnaturecenter.org
Directions: enter New Milford High School’s grounds (Rte. 7, New Milford) from Larson Rd, drive to the southwest corner, and park in the lot in front of the observatory.