Came here tonight (8:30) because we had a visitor from Hawaii staying with us for a couple of…read moreweeks. Thought this would make an interesting outing. I have been here a few times before but never on a night that had an event planned. I was expecting to see some of the Perseid meteor showers but instead we were informed by the volunteer in front that there was a special event in the observatory's theater. A spokesperson from NASA was here with a presentation about the James Webb Space Telescope. The asking donation price was $5. I'm happy to give that! It was standing room only by the time my group got in. The presentation was so informative. I learned a lot of things. Like how they were able to origami fold the tennis court sized telescope into a space shuttle only to unfold in space while still traveling tens of thousands of miles per hour. All of the mirrors can move and auto correct themselves to adjust to what they're focusing on. Also what was amazing was that they used really thin layers of Mylar like material and the air passing through each of these layers was able to change the temperature from about 240°c to -130°c We were each able to try out an infrared gun on our hands (covered by a tarp) to see that the infrared gun could see through and our hands would be visible. After the presentation we were able to grab some NASA swag and I was totally geeking out. My son only took 1 small sticker. It was dark in there and I just grabbed a handful. Don't worry! He said that he had more for everyone if the table ran out so I didn't leave any one empty handed. After the presentation we headed back to the observatory. The telescope was pointed at a binary star system. I don't remember the name. We were lucky to see anything because the sky had a thin veil of clouds. While still in the park- driving home- the full moon was so glorious. With thin ribbons of clouds swirling around it- it looked like a sunrise. But more mysterious. Almost monochrome. I would have definitely snapped a pic if I weren't driving. I plan on coming here a lot more. This is such a gem! I recommend coming to Ninigret during the day so you can learn to navigate to the observatory easier. It is pitch black. They also ask that once you make it into the park that you turn off your head lights and only drive with your running lights. There is a parking lot to the right of the observatory. Other Astronomy enthusiasts are usually on the lawn in front of the observatory so please do not have your headlights on. The observatory is kind of a tight space. And it's dark. It's a circle but enter on the right. Halfway around inside there will be a sign in book. The book generally sits on top of a donation box. The telescope will be pointed at something and usually it will stay in that position. On slow nights they can point it somewhere else as long as everyone has had a chance to see and most of them show an interest in seeing something else.

An awesome little spot within a park in south county. It's a little observatory for us nerds that…read morelove space things. Saturn was clear that night so there was a long line of people waiting to see it. I was surprised at how many people were out there lined up to get a glimpse of the planet. It was complete darkness out there so you could see millions of stars and the Milky Way with your own eyes. I saw 3 satellites and a couple of shooting stars! We waited in line for about 30 minutes before we got inside the observatory. It's a small dome with a large telescope inside. There were two men working in there and we were able to look through the telescope for a few minutes. You could see the the blue planet with rings around it; it was so clear! It's a brilliant and fascinating experience. And the coolest part, it was free! If you have a chance, go check it it!

This was an amazing exhibition. I am start struck ( no pun intended). I attended the planetarium…read morefor public night it's open to the public free or charge. Really informative and the graphics are beyond amazing.

Still star struck by the wonderful display at Leitner's. Funny thing is, I have lived near this…read moreplace for years and didn't even know it existed. BEST KEPT SCERET IN NEW HAVEN! Leitner's is nestled away behind the Divinity School at Yale. When driving on Prospect Street, you have to go up a long driveway to even see it. Out of curiosity, I decided to see what was up the hill one day, and wha-lah, I stumbled onto a whole planetarium. Neat! The planetarium is open to the public on Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons (check out the schedule here http://bit.ly/1tEK7PT) for FREE shows. The current shows focus on Black Holes. Our moderator, Angelo, walked us through all of the constellations visible from earth on a clear night, and even tied in some Greek mythology. Interesting presentation. The coolest part was the special effects that allow the audience to zoom into stars, it felt like I was whizzing through space. That was the first half of the presentation, about 30 minutes long. In the second part, they show a movie that delves into the mysteries of black holes. On clear nights, after the show, they offer free viewings of the night sky through their massive telescopes. It was a little hazy on the night I went, but I was still able to see Saturn. It was a great outing for the bargain price of... Free! This would be a great experience for families with children or for lovebirds to hold hands while gazing into the stars (gentleman, tell your lady no star is as radiant as she is and your guaranteed a smooch... You're welcome.). An out of this world experience! I'll be back.

First time going and although it was a full moon, I was able to see Jupiter and a few other…read moreplanets. Still takes tour breath away to see it in person and not on tv. The older gentlemen running the program were very informative and helpful, even with the history of the old army base where the tower now sits One negative thing; the younger gentleman in the field with equipment (dare I use improper terminology cause he may get in a tizzy) was VERY rude. I'm not an astronomer, clearly as he mad civilians aware of that, and was very ungrateful that we were even there trying learn. I was simply in awe of seeing such a spectacular sight that I stated it looked fake, and his response was far from comforting (I obviously know it's not up close and detailed, but seeing it for the first time was breathtaking and he literally ripped that experience from me with his negativity and rudeness) A few others, as well as my party, didn't know where to go first or at all or how to operate such intimidating equipment other than a basic telescope or binoculars. Not sure if he was a volunteer, but I would NOT come back if he wasn't!

The Westport Observatory was a great experience for me, being an astronomy enthusiast. I got to…read moreobserve celestial bodies with the most perfect clarity using their high-powered telescope. It was surreal to see Jupiter's cloud bands and its Galilean moons, while Saturn's rings had so much detail that it left me speechless. I especially liked to focus on deep-space objects. The diameter of the optical aperture allowed seeing the very thin light of Andromeda, the Galaxy's structure, or the structure of Orion Nebula. The tracking was very accurate; thus, tracking targets across the sky was effortless. Dark skies allowed me to observe some objects, such as star clusters and double stars, that would be hard or impossible for a small amateur telescope like mine to show. I was also pleased by the possibility of experimenting with the choice of magnification and tuning focus for sharp images. These nights, experiencing so advanced equipment, have been truly gratifying. For more personal cosmic encounters in the future, Westport Observatory will always remain my point of reference.

Ladd observatory is a great place to take the kids if they are curious as mine is about space and…read moreall the astronomical wonders out there. Tue nights is open to the public. It houses a refractor telescope which makes it great for observing the planets and other dark-sky objects. One thing they were sure would be visible very clearly was Saturn and it's rings.. wouldn't that be kool to see! But not in the day which was the time I was there.Definitely i learnt a lot from just one short visit. I hope to go back again and explore and experience more.

Nice place for young and old. On certain Tuesday nights (weather permitting), you can go in and…read morecheck out the stars and planets on the telescope. The view is set to whatever the scholar has pre-set, but still it is a great easy outing. The rest of the place has much literature and information on the planets, solar system and stars. Small venue for astronomy, but easy access if you live in the city or nearby areas.

The Shepaug Eagle Observation Area is a wonderful place for visitors to observe Eagles, and view…read moreexhibits. The program is managed by volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon. Volunteers can assist viewers, provide information, and answer questions. Admission is free but reservations are required. This season runs from 12/21 through 3/15 on Wednesday, Saturdays, and Sunday. Christine's Critters was there on the day I went giving a very detailed presentation, and bringing the audience face-to-face with rescue birds of prey. This is a wonderful place that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Amazing time watching the eagles! Definitely need a better lens! We were able to see two eagles…read morein the trees as well as juveniles. They offer free binoculars, but it's best to bring your own. It's chilly, so make sure you are dressed properly during the winter months

Beautiful well cared for library. I was impressed with how well they have meshed with the…read morecommunity. Passes for museums and other things to do in the area!

You can't write a bad review for a library!…read more Writer Friend and I were here for a book event. Beautiful building, friendly librarians--we weren't "shooshed" once! Great media areas and did I mention the librarians? Would visit again.