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.

Children accompanied by adults are welcome at these events.

Getting to Rice Creek

Transportation is often available for SUNY Oswego students. Please see below for times when van shuttling is available. For members of the public, free parking is available by the field station building.

• Transportation is available for the May 2–4 sessions, weather permitting. Pick-ups will happen at the MCC bus stop at 8 pm and 9 pm. Please call (315) 312-6620 after 6 pm on each night to see if the session will continue.

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. So we may best accommodate your needs, please call or email a day in advance if possible: 315-312-6677 or rcfs@oswego.edu.

Dates

Upcoming dates (weather dependent) include:

• Friday–Sunday, May 2–4, 8–10 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday, July 18–20, 10 p.m.–midnight
• Friday–Sunday, September 26–28, 7–10 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday, November 7–9, 6–10 p.m.

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.