Who We Are

The SCAS Young Astronomers (YA), many of whom are Striking Sparks winners, get together to learn the night sky and do active observing.

Gatherings are held at the Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) and local school star parties. We start with a short educational session, reviewing visible constellations and planning which objects to find in the night sky. Then we work with the telescopes.

Young Astronomers and Striking Sparks winners are encouraged to participate in these events and especially to bring their own telescopes to the RFO, because there are many docent-amateur astronomers who can provide assistance and guidance.

Directions to RFO: The Observatory is located in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From Highway 12 east of Santa Rosa, turn on Adobe Canyon Road and follow it about 2 miles up to the end. Pay the state park entry fee (currently $8) at the kiosk. If you plan to bring a scope, drive up into the RFO parking lot. If not, please park near the stables and walk up to the Observatory. Map to Robert Ferguson Observatory

Sonoma Skies

Young Astronomers also receive our monthly newsletter, Sonoma Skies, which has event announcements and devotes several pages to topics of particular interest to our younger members.

Previous Striking Sparks winners with a Sparks Telescope. Left to right:
Geoffrey Knoll, Andrew Wong, Ray Pan, Blaine Eldred.

Links to interesting websites

Here's the 411 on great web links for young astronomers:

For more information about the SCAS Young Astronomers, send e-mail to: Membership@sonomaskies.org

Page last modified March 17, 2010