Charlotte Campus Observatory

Visit the James & Barbara Moore Observatory located at Florida SouthWestern State College's beautiful Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.

For more information and highlights of special viewing sessions, please call the Observatory Information Line at (941) 637-3518.

Inside view of the Charlotte FSW Campus Observatory
  • Observation sessions typically start about a half hour after sunset and usually end between 10 pm and 11 pm, with no reservations required. You will have the opportunity to observe celestial objects with our 16-inch telescope located in the dome and through several smaller telescopes located out back. The objects we view may include planets, double stars, galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, and the moon. In addition, there will be brief astronomy-related topics repeated all evening. Before complete darkness, visitors can not be admitted into the observatory as the equipment needs to be set up 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 are held monthly on the first Friday of each month for the 2026 academic school year, weather permitting.

Public Session Dates 2026-2027

FSW Observatory (1st Friday of the month except January 2027):

  • September 4, 2026
  • October 2, 2026
  • November 6, 2026
  • December 4, 2026
  • January 8, 2027
  • February 5, 2027
  • February 12, 2027 - Special Moon Observing Night
  • March 5, 2027
  • April 2, 2027
  • May 7, 2027

Special Moon Observing Night: Join us for a special evening dedicated to lunar observation! While our regular schedule focuses on dark-sky viewing, we're adding this extra night in response to popular demand. The moon is one of our most-requested celestial objects, and February 12 offers an ideal opportunity during our busy season to experience its craters, mountains, and seas through our telescopes. This special event takes place the week following our regular February 5 observing night.

If you plan to stop by, we are located on the FSW Charlotte Campus, on Airport Road next to I-75, and the observatory sits on the edge of the lake next to the entrance road.

For assistance during normal campus operating hours, please call (941) 833-5332.

For assistance after 4:30 p.m., please contact (941) 637-5608.