Star Party: Dark Skies & Big Telescopes | South Bay

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Star Party: Dark Skies & Big Telescopes | South Bay

Join the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star-gazing happening monthly at Grant Park in the hills east of San Jose.

Knowledgeable volunteers provide a chance to look through a variety of telescopes and answer questions about the night sky.

Joseph D. Grant County Park is located in a rural area and is separated from the city lights by a 2,400 foot (700 meter) high ridge of the Diablo Mountains. Lick Observatory, on the summit of Mount Hamilton, home of the second largest refracting telescope in the world, is located 11 miles beyond the park entrance.

Public star-gazing nights take place at one of two observing sites, Telescope Row and the Halley Hill Observatory (across from campsite #22). Please note that park gates close early, so arrive on time.

Guidelines

Turn off your flashlights when you reach Telescope Row. Bright flashlights keep your eyes from adjusting to the darkness and make it harder for you, and others, to see astronomical objects.

Make sure your children are carefully supervised. It’s important that young children stay with a parent or other adult at all times. Follow the starparty docents’ instructions.

Saturday, December 20, 2014
December | Star Party: Dark Skies & Big Telescopes | South Bay

Please note, sunset is at 4:53 pm and the gates close at 6:30 pm.

The winter star parties will be held at Telescope Row.

From the Grant Park entrance station, follow the main park road for 0.5 miles to a turning circle. Telescope Row is located to the left, beyond the restrooms. Parking on Telescope Row during starparties is limited to those who are assisting in the program. Others should park in the lot directly ahead of the turning circle, to the right of the large oak, and walk to the starparty.

If you plan to attend a Telescope Row starparty, please plan on arriving at Grant Park before sunset. The park entrance gate is closed at sunset. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to enter the park through the exit gate. The exit gate is protected by a tire shredder.

 

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.