Our Observatory Team opens up the Moore Observatory at FSW Charlotte Campus (26000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda) on the third Friday of each month.

Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after it is dark enough to see the stars and continue as long as stargazers linger. Prior to complete darkness, visitors can not be admitted into the observatory as the equipment needs to be setup and aligned with the stars each time but early arrivers are welcome to enjoy views of the lake and the scenery of the campus from the lakeside picnic tables.

The public sessions are free and held, weather permitting.

Here is the schedule for 2025/26:

FSW Observatory 

Our observing team also sets up solar telescopes on the 1st Saturday of the month (from 9am - Noon) to look at the Sun, looking for solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena.  All events are in Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda

Solar Observing/Park 

Florida is one of the worst states in the nation for light pollution. Why?
Well the obvious is the number of large cities and population. But the issue is more than that. Read below.
To support the cause of darker skies in your city or neighborhood, we've compiled a list of sample letters you can write to your local official.  Click here for the samples.

Light pollution, the excessive or misdirected artificial light produced by urban environments, has become a significant environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. While modern civilization benefits from artificial lighting for safety and convenience, the adverse effects of light pollution on health, ecosystems, and astronomy are increasingly concerning.One of the most direct impacts of light pollution is its effect on human health.Exposure to artificial light, especially during the night, disrupts natural circadian rhythms. The human body's biological clock, governed by these rhythms, is crucial for regulating sleeppatterns, hormone production, and overall well-being.The overexposure to artificial light, particularly blue light emitted by screens and bright LED lights, can lead to sleep disorders. Insufficient sleep, in turn, is linked to a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.Studies have shown that individuals living in areas with high levels of light pollution often experience more significant health problems than those in darker regions. Additionally, light pollution significantly impacts wildlife and ecosystems.Many species have evolved to rely on natural light cues for critical behaviors such as migration, reproduction, and feeding. For example, sea turtles depend on the natural light of the moon to navigate to the ocean after hatching. Artificial lights along coastlines can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the sea and increasing their mortality rate. Birds are similarly affected; migratory birds use stars and natural light for navigation. When they encounter bright city lights, they can become confused, leading to increased collisions with buildings and other structures.The disruption of nocturnal wildlife behavior due to light pollution can also impact predator-prey relationships and overall biodiversity.Flora is not spared from the effects of light pollution either. Many plants rely on specific light signals to regulate their growth and flowering cycles. The introduction of artificial light can cause plants to bloom earlier in the season or alter their reproductive cycles, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and agricultural practices. As plants play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and providing habitat for wildlife, their disturbance can have cascading effects on environmental health.Moreover, light pollution obstructs our view of the night sky, significantly impacting astronomy and our understanding of the universe.The glow of city lights makes it increasingly difficult for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe celestial phenomena. This has led to a loss of connection between humans and the cosmos, which has cultural and educational implications.The lack of dark skies limits essential scientific research and public engagement with the universe, especially as space exploration becomes increasingly prominent in society.Efforts to combat light pollution are underway in many cities worldwide. Solutions like implementing shielded lighting fixtures, using motion sensors, and adopting "dark sky" ordinances aim to reduce the impact of artificial light on ecosystems and human health.Raising public awareness about the importance of preserving dark skies can foster community initiatives to mitigate light pollution.In conclusion, while artificial lighting is an integral part of modern life, it is crucial to recognize and address the adverse effects of light pollution. By understanding its impacts on health, wildlife, and astronomy, societies can take meaningful steps towards minimizing these effects, promoting environmental health, and reconnecting with the natural world after dark.