Central Coast Astronomical Society is growing, and we are excited to share several upcoming opportunities for public stargazing, member observing, community outreach, youth education, and hands-on astronomy learning.
Over the past year, CCAS has been doing more than simply adding events to the calendar. We are beginning to build a stronger astronomy pathway for the Central Coast, one that helps first-time visitors discover the night sky, gives beginners a place to grow, creates meaningful opportunities for members, and expands astronomy education in our community.
Here are things coming up announced at our July meeting:
Public Stargazing at Santa Margarita Lake
Our next public stargazing night is coming up at Santa Margarita Lake Marina. No telescope is required, and guests are welcome to come look through club members’ telescopes, ask questions, and enjoy the night sky. This is a free, family-friendly public event and a great way to introduce friends, neighbors, and first-time visitors to astronomy. Click for details.
Upcoming stargazing:
Friday, July 17 at 8:30 PM (Club Member Picnic starts at 7pm!)
Santa Margarita Lake Marina
If you are bringing a telescope, please arrive before sunset so you have time to set up.
Eyepiece Kits for CCAS Members
CCAS now has eyepiece kits available for members to explore and borrow, including Explore Scientific, Orion Superwide, Tele Vue Radian, Nagler, Panoptic, and other eyepieces. This is a great opportunity for members to try different eyepieces before buying equipment of their own, or simply to expand what they can observe with the telescope they already have. Click for details.
Members-Only Telescope Night
We are also creating more opportunities for CCAS members to observe in a quieter setting. These nights are different from our public star parties.
These nights are designed for members who want a smaller, quieter observing environment with more space for telescope setup, dark adaptation, serious observing, and connecting with other members. Invited are emailed out to current members, and sign up reservations are required. Click for details.
Mt. Wilson Overnight Observing Field Trip
Join us for a special overnight observing field trip to Mt. Wilson Observatory on September 13–14.
This trip includes a tour of the historic 100-inch and 60-inch telescopes. Thanks to donations from club members, CCAS is also sending three students on scholarship. We are grateful to the members who helped make that possible. Click for details.
Astronomy Night at the SLO Botanical Garden
CCAS is partnering with the SLO Botanical Garden for a series of public astronomy nights this fall.
The first event is planned for Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM. The evening will include a guided introduction to the night sky and telescope stargazing. Registration is required through the Botanical Garden. We are planning to do three of these events in the fall, and CCAS volunteers are needed. Click for details.
Farmers’ Market Outreach
CCAS will also be back at Farmers’ Market for sidewalk astronomy outreach. Upcoming dates: August 20 and September 17 at the intersection of Broad & Higuera.
No experience is required to volunteer. These events are fun, casual, and a great way to introduce astronomy to people who may never have attended a star party before. Come help welcome the public, answer simple questions, manage telescope lines, or just be a friendly CCAS presence downtown! Click to volunteer.
Eagle Oak Observatory Opportunity
CCAS is also developing a paid opportunity for qualified astronomers at Eagle Oak Observatory in Paso Robles. The observatory has a newly repaired and upgraded 16-inch Meade LX200 Classic SCT under a roll-off roof.
CCAS is looking for trained astronomers who can host observing sessions, operate the telescope, guide guests through the night sky, and follow observatory procedures. Astronomers must complete equipment training before leading sessions. Interested members should contact Aurora to be added to the training list.
Youth Astronomy Program (in Development for Jan 2027)
CCAS has received grant funding for a youth astronomy education program in partnership with the SLO Botanical Garden. This program is being developed for 2027 and will give teens hands-on experience with observing, telescope use, sky navigation, and smart telescope tools.
This will also create paid opportunities for qualified astronomers to help teach, mentor, set up equipment, and guide students through the basics. Training and class plans will be provided. Click to sign up to receive more information about how you can support this event.
Future Member Education Programs (in Development for 2027)
We are also beginning to develop more structured educational opportunities for CCAS members. Future programs include beginner astronomy workshops, telescope setup and practice, sky navigation, smart telescopes, introduction to astrophotography, and an introduction to doing real science with telescopes.
The goal is to help members move from “I’m interested in astronomy” to “I know how to observe, use my equipment, and keep learning.”
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with the first set of workshops in our Beginner Programs. Click to sign up to receive more information about how you can support this event.
The next set is designed for folks interested in developing skills on the science side. Workshops may include the following:
How CCAS Members Can Help
CCAS is growing in public outreach, member education, youth programming, and community partnerships, and we need members to help shape what comes next.
You can help by:
- Bringing a telescope to a public stargazing night
- Welcoming first-time guests
- Volunteering at Farmers’ Market outreach
- Joining the Eagle Oak telescope training list
- Helping with youth astronomy workshops
- Leading or assisting with a beginner class
- Sharing your observing or astrophotography skills
CCAS is building more than an event calendar. We are building an astronomy community, a place where people can discover the night sky, grow in skill and confidence, and connect with others who love exploring the universe.
If one of these opportunities catches your interest, please click to sign up to receive more information about getting involved and watch the CCAS website for details.
Together, we can help build the next chapter of Central Coast Astronomy!
