The Ladd Observatory is surprising. There are a few rooms on the ground floor packed with astronomical photographs and vintage instruments, including a brass orrery with 7 planets. Upstairs is a large deck packed with students and various telescopes pointed around the sky. I’ve never been there with less than 6 staff on hand to explain the machines or the subject matter. Of course the main attraction is the big telescope under the dome. Last week we had an excellent view of Saturn–rings and all.

Ladd Observatory
Open Tuesday at night when the weather permits
http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Physics/Ladd/
Observatory Lane & Hope Street
Providence, RI