Explore the night sky with the Central Coast Astronomical Society.

CCAS offers hands-on astronomy experiences for the public, students, schools, community groups, and partner organizations throughout the Central Coast.

Whether you are looking through a telescope for the first time, learning how to find objects in the night sky, or bringing astronomy to your school or organization, there is a place to get involved.

Public Astronomy

Astronomy for everyone. No experience or equipment required.

Join CCAS astronomers for public stargazing, beginner-friendly astronomy nights, talks, and community outreach events throughout San Luis Obispo County.

• Astronomy Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden
  Begin with a short presentation about what is in the night sky and where to find it, followed by guided stargazing and telescope viewing.
• Dark-Sky Stargazing at Santa Margarita Lake 
  Experience darker skies and view planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and more through a variety of telescopes.
• Sidewalk Astronomy & Community Events
  Find CCAS around the community with telescopes, solar observing, and informal opportunities to explore the sky.
• Astronomy Talks & Presentations
  Learn from local astronomers, scientists, professors, and guest speakers.

Explore Public Astronomy

Youth & Education

Hands-on Astronomy for Students

CCAS helps young people move beyond simply looking through a telescope and begin learning how to explore the night sky for themselves.

Students can learn to:

• navigate the night sky
• identify stars and constellations
• use binoculars and star charts
• set up and operate telescopes
• locate astronomical objects
• make and record their own observations
• work alongside experienced amateur astronomers

Explore Youth & Education

We offer several different opportunities throughout the year, including:

• Youth Observational Astronomy Workshops Small-group, hands-on workshops for high school students where participants learn how to use binoculars, telescopes, and the night sky itself.
• Schools & Youth Organizations Astronomy programs, telescope observing, demonstrations, and educational partnerships for schools and youth groups.
• Student Opportunities Opportunities for students who want to continue learning, attend CCAS events, meet astronomers, volunteer, and become more involved in observational astronomy.

Bring Astronomy to Your Group

Bring a telescope experience to your school, organization, venue, or event! CCAS works with community organizations to create astronomy experiences ranging from telescope observing to presentations and full astronomy nights.

Possible partners include:

• schools and homeschool groups
• libraries
• parks and nature organizations
• wineries and hospitality venues
• nonprofit organizations
• youth organizations
• community events
• private or hosted groups

Programs include:

• telescope observing
• guided night-sky tours
• introductory astronomy presentations
• solar observing
• astronomy activity stations
• customized programs for your audience or venue

Request an Astronomy Program

Not sure where to start?