The general public is invited to join astronomer John Zielinski for an evening at Rice Creek Field Station's observatory. Participants will have the chance to gaze through the observatory's large 16" wide telescope inside the rotating dome to view celestial objects like the moon, the bright planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

Since clear weather is needed for observing the night sky, interested participants should call (315) 312-6620 after 6 pm on the evening of each event to hear a recorded message announcing whether or not the observation session will take place that evening.  Prior to the evening of the event, this same number can be dialed to access a pre-recorded detailed description of the upcoming session.

Getting to Rice Creek

Transportation is available for SUNY Oswego students for the December sessions on Friday and Saturday nights (Dec 15 & 16). Come to the Marano Campus Center bus loop at 6, 7, or 8 p.m. for a van ride to Rice Creek Field Station. We'll bring you back on a return trip. No sign-ups are needed, but please be sure to call (315) 312-6620 after 6 pm each night to ensure the session can continue given the current weather conditions.

Accessibility

Observation Sessions are fully accessible to individuals who use a wheelchair. The observatory can be accessed via the sidewalk that passes through the pavilion from the parking circle. Individuals can view celestial objects through portable telescopes and projection or video eyepieces affixed to the large fixed telescope. Accessible restrooms are located inside the main building.  

Dates

Upcoming dates (weather dependent) include:

• Friday–Sunday, Dec 15–17, 6–9 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday, Jan 26–28, 6–9 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday, Mar 15–17, 8–10 p.m. 
• Friday–Sunday, May 17–19, 10 p.m. – midnight

Questions

For questions about this program, please reach out to Rice Creek Field Station staff at 315-312-6677 or rcfs@oswego.edu.

Rice Creek Field Station, a unit of SUNY Oswego, is located 1.5 miles south of campus at 193 Thompson Road in Oswego.