Join the Central Coast Astronomical Society for a beginner-friendly evening of astronomy at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.
September: Journey through the Milky Way
In September, we’ll point our telescopes toward the rich star fields near the center of our Milky Way, where some of the sky’s most spectacular clusters and nebulae are packed into one region of the night sky.
Event starts at 7:00 pm. Reservations are required.
This event is SOLD OUT. Click to get tickets for our next event
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 explore the rich regions of the Milky Way, including glowing nebulae, densely packed star clusters, colorful double stars, and other deep-sky objects. Possible targets include nebulae in Sagittarius and Lyra, open clusters in Scorpius, globular clusters in Pegasus, and striking double stars in Cygnus.
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!