Entry No. 25 — the Philadelphia file — filed under: night sky

Rittenhouse Astronomical Society — Columbus Square star parties

Founded in 1888, this is one of the oldest astronomy clubs in the country, and its members set up their own telescopes on a South Philly rec-center ballfield for free public star parties — a recent one had visitors looking at Saturn and a waxing gibbous moon, with an indoor backup plan of 'Stellar Jeopardy' and 'Luna, Name That Moon Tune' if clouds roll in.

The move: Walk over on a clear-sky RAS star-party night, look through a stranger's telescope at Saturn's rings from a baseball infield, and stick around for the moon-themed trivia if it clouds over instead.

• 📍 Passyunk Square / South Philadelphia
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Columbus Square Recreation Center, 1200 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: rasphilly.org · nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov · Instagram

last checked: 2026-07-19