Preparing for your visit to
the Observatory
There are many things you can
do to prepare for your visit to the Community
Observatory that will make your visit even more
enjoyable. Dressing appropriately for the weather
conditions is the most important. A new weather station at the Community Observistory is now on-line! To see up-to-the minute weather conditions, visit our weather station webpage.
If you have binoculars, bring
them along. They are great for looking at the Moon
and can be used to find several other deep sky
objects such as galaxies. Binoculars are also good
for looking at comets. If you have a small
telescope, you may bring it to the Observatory.
There is room outside the building for you to set it
up. If you have a larger, heavy telescope, be aware
that there is an uphill hike of about 500
feet to the Observatory from the parking lot. There
is no road access for the general public to the
Observatory and heavy objects will be difficult to
carry. Consider a small wagon or garden cart to help
you get your telescope from your car to the
Observatory.
If you have star charts and
astronomy books, bring some of them along too. While
the Observatory has a good reference library, you
will have a good opportunity to learn how to use
your own materials if you bring them along.
You can print a sky chart at:
www.skymaps.com
Please feel
free to bring bottled water. Other beverages
and snacks are not encouraged. Keep in
mind that this is school property and no alcoholic
beverages are ever allowed!
On Public
Evenings (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights),
there is no fee for parking. On other nights
(Monday through Thursday) normal parking regulations
(and fees) apply. The Observatory is fully
accessible to our disabled visitors. There is
parking right at the Observatory for the disabled.
For disabled access on Public Evenings, please call
(530) 344-5707 during operating hours on the night
of your intended visit.
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