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Observing
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The Astronomy Connection
Observing Sites
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TAC Observing Sites
Try this link for page of south bay frequented Clear Sky Charts
| Site | Description | ||
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| Blue Canyon | Description: Airport site used by the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society. Use Policy: Restrict Access by SVAS Members and Guests only per USFS Special Use Permit Owner: USFS under permit to Placer County |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/BlueCanyonCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N39 15.528 Lon: W120 42.472 Elev: 5271 ft. |
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| Blue Ridge | Description: North of Vacaville. A wide parking area where there's room for about 5 cars and scopes. Use Policy: Public access Owner: Solano County |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/BlRdgVcCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
Lat: N38 24.5480 Lon: W122 06.47 Elev: 2500 ft. Road Map |
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| Bonny Doon Airport | Description: Private property. Only available on Santa Cruz Astronomy Club arranged nights. Use Policy: Only open when the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club is hosting a star party. Owner: Private property TAC Site Liaison: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/BoonyDoonCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: #### ####
Moonrise/Moonset: #### ####
Astronomical Twilight: #### ####
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Lat: N37 04.317 Lon: W122 07.721 Elev: 2000 ft. Road Map |
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| Chabot | Description: A public observatory and planetarium. Use Policy: Must be a registered volunteer. See their web site: http://www.chabotspace.org/volunteer/default.asp Owner: City of Oakland |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/ChbtSPCCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N37 8191 Lon: W122 1819 Elev: 1460 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Coyote Lake | Description: Lake-side county park near Gilroy. Use Policy: Anyone can use it for observing at night. No reservations are re Owner: Santa Clara County |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/CytLkCPCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N37 05.567 Lon: W121 32.550 Elev: 970 ft. Road Map |
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| Deep Sky Ranch | Description: Private property east of Paicines Use Policy: Private property. By invitation only. Owner: Kevin Ritschel (deepskyranch at gmail dot com) TAC Site Liaison: Kevin Ritschel |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/PnchPsscs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
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| Del Valle Reservior | Description: A lake-side park near Livermore. Use Policy: By reservation. Only on announced nights. Owner: East Bay Regional Park District TAC Site Liaison: Bruce Jensen |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/DelValleCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Varied |
Lat: N37 35.900 Lon: W121 41.400 Elev: 1350 ft. |
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| Dinosaur Point | Description: Parking lot adjacent to San Luis Reservior. Use Policy: ---- IMPORTANT ---- DO NOT go to Dinosaur Point without reading the rules, found via the link "More Information" to the left of this section. TAC Site Liaison: Albert Highe |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/Dino_CAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather:  Surface: Paved |
Lat: N37 03.90 Lon: W121 10.217 Elev: 648 ft. |
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| Fiddletown | Description: Private property near Fiddletown. Use Policy: First timers should caravan with a previous visitor, free access after that. Owner: Bob Kestner TAC Site Liaison: Steve Gottlieb |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/FiddletownCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Lat: N38 29.502 Lon: W120 39.800 Elev: 2565 ft. |
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| Fremont Peak | Description: A mountain-top state park, with a 30 in. reflector in a club-owned observatory. Use Policy: Park closes 1/2 hour after sunset except for approved after-hours activities; E-mail the ranger in advance with observing intent - dedavis at parks . ca . gov , include vehicle type and license plate. $4.00 Park Use Fee. Owner: The State of California TAC Site Liaison: Jamie Dillon |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/Fremont_CAcs0.gif) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N36 45.655 Lon: W121 30.169 Elev: 2750 ft. Road Map |
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| GSSP | Description: Private property on which the Golden State Star Party is held. Use Policy: Only once per year for TAC's annual star party, the Golden State Star Party (GSSP). You must register with GSSP to attend. Owner: Frosty Acres Ranch TAC Site Liaison: Richard Ozer & GSSP Committee |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/GSSPCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: #### ####
Moonrise/Moonset: #### ####
Astronomical Twilight: #### ####
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Varied |
Lat: N41 8.06221 Lon: W120 580675 Elev: 4400 ft. |
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| Garland Ranch | Description: A parking facility in Carmel Valley used by the MIRA Observers Group for public star parties. Use Policy: Park has public access for daytime use only; parking facility is always open but normally used only during scheduled events. Owner: Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District TAC Site Liaison: Jim Bartolini |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/TulaOBCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Lat: 36º 30.5’ N Lon: 121º 46’ W Elev: 185 ft. |
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| Grant Ranch | Description: County park on Mount Hamilton Road (highway 130), home to HVAG. Use Policy: Available to HVAG members by prior arrangement, available to others only on scheduled nights. Owner: Santa Clara County |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/MtHamCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Varied |
Lat: N37 19.770 Lon: W121 42.921 Elev: 1705 ft. Road Map |
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| Henry Coe | Description: A state park near Morgan Hill. Use Policy: Phone 408 779-2728 or e-mail ranger John Verhoeven at jverhoeven@parks.ca.gov to arrange use overflow parking lot. Lot is 1/2 mile before park headquarters, just past a cattle crossing. If you arrange for use of lot, post on TAC to reduce calls to the rangers. Pay $8 day use fee at ranger's headquarters. Owner: The State of California TAC Site Liaison: Jim Van Nuland |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/HenryCoe_CAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Lat: N37 11.250 Lon: W121 33.016 Elev: 2600 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Houge Park | Description: A city park in San Jose, home to SJAA meetings and public observing events. Use Policy: Lights extinguished only on scheduled SJAA observing nights. Owner: City of San Jose |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/SanJoseCAcs0.gif) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Road Map |
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| IHOP | Description: BLM land near Union Lake Reservoir up highway 50, turn just before White Hall. Use Policy: None Owner: BLM TAC Site Liaison: None |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/IHOPCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
Lat: N38 47.800 Lon: w120 24.600, 5000 Elev: 5243 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Lake San Antonio | Description: A county park and reservoir. Site of the annual CalStar star party. Use Policy: Owner: Monterey County Parks |
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Clear-Sky Clock: Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
Road Map |
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| Lake Sonoma | Description: An Army Corps of Engineers facility and park near Cloverdale. Use Policy: Open to the public. Call ranger in advance if arriving after dark - Main office: 707-433-9483. The Rangers office phone# is 707-431-4511. You can use this # to request unlocking of parking lot entrances (e.g. Lone Rock) for observing. Ranger "Mike" can be reached at 707-431-4520. |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/SonomaCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: |
Road Map |
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| Montebello | Description: A gravel parking lot near Skyline Drive, west of Palo Alto. Use Policy: Permit and reservation required. Permit-holder must be present. Owner: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District TAC Site Liaison: James Turley |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/Montebello_CAcs0.gif) Sunrise/Sunset: 0553 1828
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Lat: N37 19.533 Lon: W122 10.733 Elev: 2284 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Mount Lassen | Description: A national park east of Redding. Use Policy: Bumpass Hell and Devestated Area parking lots open to all park users. Road open from July through September. Owner: National Park Service |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/Lassen_National_Parkcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: 0552 1831
Moonrise/Moonset: 1211 0146
Astronomical Twilight: 0425 1959
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Topographic Map |
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| Mount Tamalpias Pantoll Ranger | Description: A paved, reasonably dark parking lot at the Pantoll Ranger Station, Mt. Tamalpias State Park. Use Policy: This is a public area and camping/motorhomes are permitted for a small fee. Self-registration. Astronomers are unmolested, generally, by the park rangers. They enjoy looking through the scopes. Owner: State of California TAC Site Liaison: Robert English |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/MtTamaCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N37 54.219 Lon: W122 36.2442 Elev: 1458 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Mount Tamalpias Rock Springs | Description: Site of SFAA star parties and monthly private observing sessions. Use Policy: Only SFAA members are allowed to remain at the star party after the Rock Spring gates are closed. Owner: State of California TAC Site Liaison: Robert English |
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| Clear-Sky Clock: |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Paved |
Lat: N37 54.6642 Lon: W122 36.7782 Elev: 1949 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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| Pacheco State Park | Description: A state park near Pacheco Pass on highway 152. Potentially very dark and clear. Use Policy: Contact Ranger (209/826-6283 or 209/826-1196) to arrange night use. Owner: State of California |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/PachecoCAcs0.gif?1) Sunrise/Sunset: #### ####
Moonrise/Moonset: #### ####
Astronomical Twilight: #### ####
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Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Gravel |
Topographic Map |
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| Plettstone | Description: By invitation only. Invitations are posted regularly on the TAC mailing list. Driving directions are available by request. Use Policy: Private property located in the Sierra Foothills near Mariposa.Contact Michelle Stone at litebkt at gmail dot com. Owner: Michelle Stone TAC Site Liaison: Michelle Stone |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/PlttsnCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: Weather Surface: Varied |
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| Rancho Canada del Oro | Description: County Park Use Policy: Rancho Canada del Oro is available for astronomy only on nights scheduled with the Open Space Authority. For more information, contact TAC's site liaison at tyggeln at gmail dot com Owner: Open Space Authority TAC Site Liaison: Chistopher Kelly |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com/c/RCDOCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: |
Road Map |
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| Unlisted Site | Description: A placeholder for people who want to post OIs for somewhere not listed. Use Policy: TAC Site Liaison: (none) |
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Surface: |
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| Willow Springs 3000 | Description: Private property east of Paicines, at 3000 feet in the Diablo Range Use Policy: Private property. By invitation only. Owner: Bob Ayers TAC Site Liaison: Bob Ayers - astroayers at gmail dot com |
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| Clear-Sky Clock: |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
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| Young Observatory (Angwin) | Description: Parking lot adjacent the observatory at Pacific Union College. Use Policy: Open to anyone who wants to observe on Fridays when school is in session. Other days if pre-arranged with site liaison. Owner: Pacific Union College TAC Site Liaison: Otis Finley |
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Clear-Sky Clock: ![[Clear Sky Clock]](http://cleardarksky.com//c/AngwnCAcs0.gif?1) |
Weather: NOAA Weather Surface: Dirt |
Lat: N38 34.55 Lon: W122 27.00 Elev: 1800 ft. Road Map Topographic Map |
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If you have useful additional information about one of these observing sites, or would like to suggest another Bay-area observing site, plaese send e-mail to the TAC Webmaster.