Want to have a fun and educational, yet exclusive star gazing experience? Our What’s Up events are just the ticket! Our public star parties can get very crowded. We keep the attendance limited for our What’s Up program so visitors can get more time at the telescopes, more time to ask questions, and overall have a more intimate star gazing experience. This program is geared to the general public – no prior astronomy knowledge necessary! This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals or small groups to get one-on-one interactions with our knowledgeable docents without having to book a private event at the observatory. We offer this opportunity once a month, and each month we will offer a presentation and will open up all three of our telescopes for your viewing pleasure, highlighting the most intriguing planets, nebulae, clusters, etc. that are viewable during that month. Presentations will vary month-by-month but will always be a fun, educational experience!
Please note that this event starts on time with a presentation. Please account for extra time driving up the mountain and parking.
Sales are limited to 40 guests so we can provide a more personal experience. You will have plenty of time at the telescope eyepieces, and as always, the observatory will be staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers eager to show you the night sights, and answer any questions you may have.
$50.00 per adult, $45 for students and seniors (62+) and $40 for members. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park parking fees are included for parking at the observatory.
Classes are held at The Robert Ferguson Observatory. You do not need to pay the park day use fee to attend the class.
You MUST have a ticket to attend this event. Attendance is limited. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for future events. In the event that sufficient tickets are not sold and the event needs to be cancelled, ticket holders will be given a 24-hour notice of cancellation and receive a full refund or an option to use the class fees to a future event.
Please note, members receive a 20% discount. If you'd like to become a member, please fill out a member application form and you will be sent a promotional code to use when purchasing tickets.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution.
The Valley of the Moon Observatory Association (VMOA) is volunteer amateur and professional astronomers plus a small supporting staff organized as a nonprofit association to provide educational programs about science and astronomy for students, the public, and in support of educators.
The VMOA is responsible for the construction, maintenance and utilization of the Robert Ferguson Observatory and functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the auspices of the California State Parks System, and in cooperation with our local state parks.
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