Club "Star Party" and "Telescope Clinic"

This event has two themes:

Theme #1:  Club Members Only Star Party (not a public event)
Join other club members (and their families and friends) for an evening (or all night!) of casual stargazing and socializing at the Pinnacles National Park west entrance parking lot.

Theme #2:  Telescope Clinic
Got a telescope but do not know how to use it?  Bring it to this event and let another club member teach you how.  If interested, contact me so that I can pair you with another club member.  (If you show up with a telescope unanounced, there may not be anyone available to help you.)  Contact me if you are willing to help another club member with his/her telescope.

About Pinnacles National Park West Entrance Parking Lot
Pinnacles National Park's west entrance parking lot is a favorite of Monterey Bay area and south San Francisco Bay area amateur astronomers, due to its higher elevation (~1,800ft) sky quality (21.86SQM, Bortle Class 3) and relatively close proximity (one hour, 46 miles from MIRA offices).  So expect non-club members to be there with their own equipment.

Below is an overhead view of the event location:

The west entrance has a motion-triggered entrance gate.  This gate closes for the night at 8:00pm.

No camping or overnight sleeping is allowed in the west entrance parking lot.  As long as you stay awake during your entire stargazing session, the rangers should leave you alone.

This event location is subject to a National Park entrance pass fee.  The one-time, one vehicle fee is $30.  Click here for more information and to purchase your entrance pass on-line.  (There is no on-site cash payment option.)