Mother Aloysia Hardey, RSCJ Observatory

The Mother Aloysia Hardey, RSCJ Observatory offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore astronomy and deepen their understanding of the universe. Established in 2000 as part of an initiative to immerse students in STEM fields, the observatory honors the founder of the first Sacred Heart school. This advanced observatory was made possible by a generous donation from the Eisenberg family.

Upgraded in 2018 through a partnership with IBM, the observatory now boasts a modern 14-inch diameter reflecting telescope, complemented by an 85mm TeleVue refractor telescope and an 80mm Lunt solar telescope. These enhancements allow for both day and night viewing and support a wide range of astronomical research.

The observatory serves as an interdisciplinary resource, integrating with the K-12 curriculum and enriching studies in theology and English by connecting students with real-world astronomical phenomena and deepening their understanding of the natural world and its connection to God’s creation. Additionally, astronomy is taught as an elective, providing students with hands-on experience in scientific observation and exploration.

Students from Sacred Heart Greenwich and area schools have utilized the observatory to observe the Sun, planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. They have also participated in data acquisition for calculating the size, shape, and position of asteroids. Additionally, the observatory supports research on exoplanets, supernovae, stellar spectroscopy, and astrophotography. 

Weekly Community Viewing Schedule 
Friday’s 8:00 - 10:00 pm (weather depending, call Observatory voicemail to confirm)
The observatory fosters a lifelong love of learning and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and God's creation. Weekly community viewing sessions are open to all students, families, and faculty, allowing them to explore the skies and continue their discovery of the universe. These sessions offer a unique chance for students to nurture their curiosity about space and science beyond the classroom and experience celestial events throughout the year. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe star clusters, binary stars, and other celestial wonders.

Directions to the Observatory 
Access the observatory via car by following the Observatory/Maintenance signs down the narrow road and around to the silver-domed observatory located behind the Maintenance building.

Call to Confirm
Call the Observatory voicemail at 203-532-3322 for viewing confirmation or cancellation on Friday at 6pm.