New Pond Farm, Redding, CT - Astronomy Observatory

Astronomy Center

Our observatory is perched on top of the knoll in our pastures. Redding is fortunate to have some of the darkest skies in Fairfield County and we are in turn fortunate to have an enthusiastic team of amateur astronomers that offers monthly programs for those interested in viewing the night sky.

We had several telescopes on hand and thanks to generous grants from Redding Education Foundation and the Meserve Memorial Fund, we have recently purchased a 14" Celestron telescope. Because of its large diameter it has a great light gathering capability which means that we are able to observe celestial objects with quite a bit of detail, and we have the opportunity to view objects that are found deeper in the night sky like star clusters and galaxies. This scope has "go to" capability, meaning that when preprogrammed, it will automatically move to the desired coordinates in the sky-so for example, our astronomers can press a few buttons and the scope will swing from the rings of Saturn to the moons of Jupiter to the star nebula in Orion's belt in just a matter of seconds. This capability is particularly useful when searching for fainter, deep sky objects.

As time goes on this 14" Celestron will allow us to expand into astrophotography, variable star observing and supernova hunting. Educational research could be performed by the volunteers and used while mentoring high school students.  

Our founder, Carmen Mathews, originally built the observatory to be used by students from Western Connecticut State University. Now it is enjoyed by students from Joel Barlow High School's astronomy programs, by members of the farm, and members of the public.

Articles on Astronomy

New Pond Farm Astronomers have written several informative articles on the night sky. Members receive these wonderful articles in their newsletter. We have offered a few for the public here.

Stopping Photons

Winter 2008
by Juan Ivaldi

Fall Sky Wonders

Fall 2008
by Juan Ivaldi

	Upcoming Programs
	Fall Astronomy Saturday November 5, 6:00 pm Please join our team of astronomers for a look at the night sky. You may want to bring lawn chairs and binoculars if you have them. Please dress for the outdoors Fee: $4/member, $16/max.per family, $6/non-member, $24 max/non-member family. Fall Astronomy Saturday December 10, 5:30 pm Please join our team of astronomers for a look at the night sky. You may want to bring lawn chairs and binoculars if you have them. Please dress for the outdoors Fee: $4/member, $16/max.per family, $6/non-member, $24 max/non-member family. To register for any of these programs please Click Here or call (203) 938-2117 If you would like to join our astronomy email  list to receive updates on celestial events, please contact our Program Director: kristen@newpondfarm.org Some Past Programs: Astronomy: Jupiter, the Moon and Orion Saturday, December 11, 6:00 pm Join our amateur astronomy team for a program featuring the fall sky. Please dress warmly and bring along binoculars. Fee: $4/member, $16/max. per family, $6/non-member, $24/max. per non-member family. Astronomy: Winter Constellations Saturday, January 8, 6:00 pm Join our amateur astronomy team for a program featuring the winter sky. Please dress warmly and bring along binoculars. Fee: $4/member, $16/max. per family, $6/non-member, $24 max/non-member family