Join the Central Coast Astronomical Society for a beginner-friendly evening of astronomy at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.
October: From Saturn to Andromeda – A Tour Across the Universe
How far can we see with a telescope? This month, we’ll take a journey outward through the cosmos, beginning with Saturn in our own solar system, then traveling among star clusters and nebulae in the Milky Way before looking millions of light-years beyond our galaxy to Andromeda. Whether you’re brand new to astronomy or already love looking up, come explore just how enormous our universe really is.
Event starts at 7:00 pm. Reservations are required.
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Location:
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
3450 Dairy Creek Road in SLO, across from Cuesta College on Hwy 1
For CCAS Members: You do NOT need a ticket to attend this event if you are volunteering to help with this event (no previous experience required). To volunteer, simply sign up and we’ll also waive your day-use fee for El Chorro by placing your name on the Park Ranger’s official list. Sign up to volunteer!
What to Expect
The evening begins at 7:00 pm with a live astronomy presentation, where CCAS astronomers will guide guests through the night sky and introduce some of the objects we’ll be observing later that evening. After the 30-minute presentation, we’ll head outside to the telescope area for guided stargazing, constellation tours, and observing through several different types of telescopes until 9:00 pm.
Through the telescopes, we’ll travel from the beautiful rings of Saturn to globular star clusters containing hundreds of thousands of stars, glowing nebulae within our own Milky Way, and finally the Andromeda Galaxy, whose light has been traveling toward us for more than two million years.
Our friendly astronomers will provide telescopes and guide guests through the viewing experience. You are welcome to bring binoculars, questions, and your sense of wonder.
This program is rain or shine. If clouds roll in, we’ll move the experience indoors with engaging astronomy activities, demonstrations, and night-sky exploration. Clear skies or not, we’ll learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe. Please arrive before 7pm to get a good seat, as these events tend to fill quickly.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines
To help everyone enjoy the night sky, please follow these guidelines:
- No white lights after dark. Please use only minimal red light when needed.
- No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or vaping near stargazing activities or telescopes.
- Please wear sturdy shoes, as we’ll be walking around telescope equipment in low light.
- This program is recommended for ages 7 and older.
- No pets, please.
Park Entry
El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day-use fee from March through October. Please carpool when possible and have cash ready to help expedite park entry.
CCAS Members and Volunteers
CCAS members who are helping with the event do not need to reserve a public ticket. Volunteers will be added to the Park Ranger’s entry list so the day-use fee can be waived. If you would like to volunteer, with or without a telescope, sign up here to volunteer!