Charlotte Campus Observatory

The James and Barbara Moore Observatory viewing sessions will resume in October 2021.

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.

  • 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 at least once monthly from September through May, weather permitting.

Public Session Dates

  • Oct 1, 2021
  • Nov 5, 2021
  • Dec 3, 2021
  • Jan 7, 2022
  • Feb 4, 2022
  • Mar 4, 2022
  • Apr 1, 2022
  • May 6, 2022
  • Extra openings are sometimes scheduled or dates are changed depending on celestial events.
  • For more information or special group openings, call (941) 637-5652.