West Goshen families can watch Saturn's rings and the Andromeda galaxy for free on Saturday, Oct. 3, when the Chester County Astronomical Society and West Goshen Township Parks and Recreation co-host a stargazing party at West Goshen Community Park.
The event starts at 7 p.m. No registration is required.
Attendees can bring their own telescopes or binoculars, or look through equipment set up by Astronomical Society members. The society, a nonprofit dedicated to public astronomy education, regularly provides telescopes and expertise for star parties with schools, scouts and civic groups across Chester County.
The timing is no accident. Oct. 3 is Saturn's opposition date, the night the ringed planet sits directly opposite the sun and remains visible all night long, according to the Milwaukee Public Museum's 2026 sky calendar. It's the best night of the year to view Saturn.
The Astronomical Society has partnered with West Goshen Township before. The group held a stargazing party at the same park in July 2024.
The township posted the announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 18, giving families about six weeks to plan. No rain date or cancellation policy was listed.
Residents with questions can contact West Goshen Parks and Recreation at (610) 696-5266 or [email protected].
Upcoming community events:
- Saturday, Sept. 19 — Free battery drop-off, East Goshen Township
- Saturday, Oct. 3 — Stargazing party, West Goshen Community Park, 7 p.m. (free, no registration)
- Saturday, Oct. 10 — Fall yard sale, West Goshen Township
