Do not bring your own telescope (binoculars are welcome, but please no tripods). SJAA club members will set up their telescopes to help star party guests get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of the dark night sky.
In addition to traditional telescopes, the SJAA has incorporated Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) into the Starry Nights Program. We will be using an automated telescope with a camera-like sensor to show live images on an iPad.
The OSA is making RCDO available for visual observing only. There are separate SJAA-sponsored astro-imaging events (see http://www.Meetup.com/SJ-astronomy).
· This is a family friendly event, and although younger children are welcome, this activity is best suited for children aged 5 years and older.
· No touching the telescopes or eyepieces. (Maybe a focus knob, if instructed by the astronomer. It’s OK to ask).
· Dress in warm layers (it gets cold at night).
· Flashlights: To help preserve everyone's night vision, if you bring a dim white flashlight, be sure to have it wrapped in red plastic, or get it wrapped at the sign-in desk.
· Registration for this event has a limit of approximately 85 people due to available parking space at the observing site.
· If you register and then cannot attend this event, please remove your reservation, so that those on the waiting list can fill open spots.
· If you are wait listed, please check back closer to the event start time to see whether you managed to get a slot that opened up.
· Rain, heavy clouds, or thick smoke will result in cancellation of the event.
· Please check this page prior to heading to the event for latest information, such as late changes due to weather.
· No smoking and no pets.
· No flash photography.
THIS ACTIVITY REQUIRES REGISTRATION.
Arrive no later than 1 hour prior to ending time as the gates may be closed to allow Staff to prepare to wrap up the session. After parking, please sign in at the OSA's front table and let them know you are here.
Only those registered will be allowed entry. Each entry registration is for one car. For example, if you have four people in a car, just one registration is required for your group.
DIRECTIONS
Please click on this link (https://maps.app.goo.gl/F3STw1YophygU2Ej9) or copy these coordinates into your navigation system of choice: 37°09'06.5"N 121°41'20.6"W
To get to the entrance you will travel on Hale Ave in Morgan Hill. From Hale Ave, turn onto Willow Springs Rd. About 400ft down Willow Springs Rd you will see an open gate into a field. Enter through the gate and slowly make your way along the marked path through the field and it will bring you to the main parking area of Tilton Ranch! From there our volunteers point you towards the astronomers.
The field is bumpy, so please drive SLOW.