The Ladd Observatory will be open to the public on Monday evenings now through the end of the semester — weather permitting. (It will no longer be open on Tuesdays.) Even an overcast sky can ruin the fun, so look out your window before leaving the house. If the clouds move in, nobody will be at the observatory; the front door will not be open.
When you go, they usually have the large telescope aimed at a particular object; you will need to climb a short ladder. On the deck you will find one or two free-standing telescopes being operated and adjusted by grad students. They are very helpful and enjoy explaining what you are looking at and anything in the news. Last week the telescopes were aimed at the Moon; Jupiter and its moon, Titan; and a binary star system.
Staff astronomer Francine Jackson is on hand to answer questions and show you around. I encourage you to follow her weekly newsletters as they are packed with skywatching news and astronomy history.
The Brown University Ladd Observatory opened in 1891 under the direction of Professor Winslow Upton. The building itself is worth the trip. Go check it out.
Ladd Observatory, 210 Doyle Avenue, Mondays after sunset, (directions)