Came here tonight (8:30) because we had a visitor from Hawaii staying with us for a couple of…read moreweeks. Thought this would make an interesting outing. I have been here a few times before but never on a night that had an event planned. I was expecting to see some of the Perseid meteor showers but instead we were informed by the volunteer in front that there was a special event in the observatory's theater. A spokesperson from NASA was here with a presentation about the James Webb Space Telescope. The asking donation price was $5. I'm happy to give that! It was standing room only by the time my group got in. The presentation was so informative. I learned a lot of things. Like how they were able to origami fold the tennis court sized telescope into a space shuttle only to unfold in space while still traveling tens of thousands of miles per hour. All of the mirrors can move and auto correct themselves to adjust to what they're focusing on. Also what was amazing was that they used really thin layers of Mylar like material and the air passing through each of these layers was able to change the temperature from about 240°c to -130°c We were each able to try out an infrared gun on our hands (covered by a tarp) to see that the infrared gun could see through and our hands would be visible. After the presentation we were able to grab some NASA swag and I was totally geeking out. My son only took 1 small sticker. It was dark in there and I just grabbed a handful. Don't worry! He said that he had more for everyone if the table ran out so I didn't leave any one empty handed. After the presentation we headed back to the observatory. The telescope was pointed at a binary star system. I don't remember the name. We were lucky to see anything because the sky had a thin veil of clouds. While still in the park- driving home- the full moon was so glorious. With thin ribbons of clouds swirling around it- it looked like a sunrise. But more mysterious. Almost monochrome. I would have definitely snapped a pic if I weren't driving. I plan on coming here a lot more. This is such a gem! I recommend coming to Ninigret during the day so you can learn to navigate to the observatory easier. It is pitch black. They also ask that once you make it into the park that you turn off your head lights and only drive with your running lights. There is a parking lot to the right of the observatory. Other Astronomy enthusiasts are usually on the lawn in front of the observatory so please do not have your headlights on. The observatory is kind of a tight space. And it's dark. It's a circle but enter on the right. Halfway around inside there will be a sign in book. The book generally sits on top of a donation box. The telescope will be pointed at something and usually it will stay in that position. On slow nights they can point it somewhere else as long as everyone has had a chance to see and most of them show an interest in seeing something else.

An awesome little spot within a park in south county. It's a little observatory for us nerds that…read morelove space things. Saturn was clear that night so there was a long line of people waiting to see it. I was surprised at how many people were out there lined up to get a glimpse of the planet. It was complete darkness out there so you could see millions of stars and the Milky Way with your own eyes. I saw 3 satellites and a couple of shooting stars! We waited in line for about 30 minutes before we got inside the observatory. It's a small dome with a large telescope inside. There were two men working in there and we were able to look through the telescope for a few minutes. You could see the the blue planet with rings around it; it was so clear! It's a brilliant and fascinating experience. And the coolest part, it was free! If you have a chance, go check it it!

Krista and Carla were our educational leaders. They have so much knowledge!…read moreThey gave so much information about all the weather apparatus and the use of this observatory! The view is amazing! Definitely need to go back in the spring!

Free water for dog and 2$ designer water. Best bargain I've received this month with a great view.read more

A great place to explore butterflies. Great showcases and an entire environment where they fly all…read morearound you

This was a very fun place to take a 3 year old on a dreary, rainy day. We had a lot of fun…read moremarveling we the different kinds of butterflies and we especially enjoyed the bonus quail. The staff inside the butterfly garden were friendly and excited to share information about the different species. Overall, fun but a little expensive for what you get.

Such beautiful views of Boston! This was my second time here and each time I enjoyed my experience…read more It wasn't overly crowded like other observation view decks I've been to. The cinema room has amazing displays of Boston each time I've gone there was a different display so it's definitely worth going more than once. The bar quaint with a full bar offering. There is a restaurant with views though I haven't been myself. The gift shop before you exit has various souvenirs available for purchase from salt water taffy, books, clothing and more. Definitely a must to experience panoramic views of Boston.

Bostons only observation tower/deck is worth checking out if you enjoy elevated views of the city…read more Inside the Prudential center mall you find the entrance and ticket kiosk booth to view Boston. (Side note if you plan on doing multiple attractions check out the My City Pass app for package deals that include access to view Boston) The 52nd floor is the enclosed viewing deck, one floor below on the 51st is the open air viewing area, and just below is the exhibit area and restaurant on floor 50th. Definitely check the weather forecast before booking the day and time you want to go so you don't end up here on a cloudy/rainy day with no view of the city.

I love this place…read more During the first time we came, around November, it was a full moon and we were told that conditions weren't so optimal. However, there were a lot of people out and the place was hopping. There were stargazers who had set up their own telescopes on the lawn, the domes were manned, and monitors were displaying what they were focused on with such amazing views. We went inside and queued up to be able to go upstairs to the big telescope (they bring up 15 people at a time), and the waiting area had a piano player that provided a lovely ambiance. There were a couple of staff members speaking and answering questions, and really learned quite a bit from them. Here's where it gets even better...it's run by volunteers and is free. There is no other place like it. They operate on donations from visitors (5 bucks), and dues from those who decide to become members. We fell in love with the experience that night and became members ourselves. I even had my girlfriend become a volunteer We returned on 12/21 for the Winter Solstice where they had a lecturer out front on the lawn with a laser pointer and he gave a talk about what was visible in the night sky. Bonus: it was completely dark. No moonlight. They served coffee, tea, hot cocoa, desserts and cookies from Erica's Rugelach, and there was quite a crowd that night despite it being 19 degrees out. No piano this time, but a very good guitar player provided lovely music. I don't know what it is about this location, but the stars seem much clearer, like they want to come out and show off. Spent quite a bit of time at the big scope, got to see Jupiter and its moons, Orion's Nebula, Mars, it's always a fantastic time here if you're into stargazing. If you want to do something off the beaten path on a Saturday night, this is the place. In my photos, you'll see the difference from when there was a full moon, and the night of the Winter Solstice.

Everyone that works here is very knowledgeable, it's cool to see the passion that they all have in…read morethis hobby. Unfortunately when my boyfriend and I went it was a cloudy day so we didn't get to look up at the stars, but we got to tour the building. Will be back again!

Let's start with the not obvious: this isn't really a family activity like an observatory at the…read morelocal children's science museum. Yes it is free and open to the public but I'd say it is more for the public who is already interested in astronomy and telescopes since this is run by the university's astronomy department. Also, Boston doesn't offer the best weather, distance from light pollution or elevation for great viewing. The original telescope is a historical artifact and not what the public will use. That said, astronomy nerds will enjoy talking to the person who runs the event and understand what can be offered in this context. Everyone else can expect a great view of Boston with the opportunity to see something in the sky that they don't see every day. Check the BU website for link to get tickets. They open on Thursday, for the next Wednesday's viewing.

Obviously as an observatory the hours are funky for someone who gets up at 5am, but that's a me…read moreissue. This place rocks.