Darling Hill Observatory

Stargazing under truly dark skies is the draw at Darling Hill Observatory, a public site run by the Syracuse Astronomical Society in the hamlet of Vesper, in the town of Tully. For more than 40 years, it has hosted thousands of children, teens and adults at star parties on clear summer nights.

Built in 1971 with funds from the Rosemond Gifford Foundation, the observatory sits on seven acres in a rural spot with dark skies. A volunteer staff operates a nine-foot telescope that brings the planets, the moon, galaxies and star clusters into view, sights that are all but invisible to city dwellers.

What to Know

• Star parties take place on clear summer nights, so the weather matters.
• The observatory was built in 1971 on seven rural acres.
• Volunteers from the Syracuse Astronomical Society run the telescope.
• It is kid friendly, with children, teens and adults all welcome.
• Featured by Visit Syracuse, the Onondaga County visitors bureau.