Friday, 12/27/24  7PM
In-person

Telescope Makers Workshop
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619-245


The Chabot Telescope Maker's workshop reopens! Chabot's TMW is one of only a handful of regularly scheduled telescope making workshops in the U.S., and probably the world; it meets every Friday evening throughout the year, except Memorial Day weekend. It has been in operation since December of 1930, founded by Franklin B. Wright, and is currently run by Eastbay Astronomical Society member Rich Ozer, with help from other EAS members, Dave Barosso, Barry Leska, and others. The price of admission is FREE. All you have to do is show up, buy a mirror blank and a "tool" (typically around $100 - $200 depending on the size of the mirror) and start "pushin' glass!" We supply you with instruction, the various grits you'll need to first grind, and then polish and figure your mirror, and all the testing equipment needed. With a small bit of luck, you could wind up with a telescope that costs 1/3 or 1/4 the cost of a store-bought telescope, that is yet optically superior! It does take time - depending on how much time you put in on it, and other factors, it could take a few months.. But, it's a fun project, great for kids, and at the end you get a great telescope!
Enter from the main loading dock behind the main building.

If you have a project, bring it with you so we can assess next steps.
You can also bring any other equipment or literature you may have
questions about.

For more information call or email Richard Ozer at richozer1@gmail.com or phone (510) 406-1914.

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Friday, 12/27/24 9PM-11PM for night observing and Saturday 12/28/24 10AM-12 Noon for solar observing
In-person

Foothill Observatory
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022


Foothill Observatory now Open EVERY clear Friday night and Saturday morning

The Foothill College Astronomy Department and Peninsula Astronomical Society (PAS) have reopened public viewing programs at Foothill College Observatory on:

·       Every clear Friday night from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for star gazing

·       Every clear Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon for solar viewing

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
The COVID and masking policy for visiting Foothill Observatory is the same as that of Foothill College per their Health & Safety information: 
1) Vaccinations are required
2) masking is strongly encouraged. 

Websites:  https://foothill.edu/astronomy/observatory.html

and  https://pastro.org

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Friday,  12/27/24 and Saturday 12/28/24
07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
In-person

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Free Telescope Viewings

Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing! Weather permitting, this is a chance to explore stars, planets and more through Chabot’s historic telescopes. Chabot’s three large historic telescopes offer a unique way to experience the awe and wonder of the Universe. Our observatory deck offers breathtaking views 1,500 feet above the Bay. Three observatory domes house the Center’s 8-inch (Leah, 1883) and 20-inch (Rachel, 1916) refracting telescopes, along with a 36-inch reflecting telescope (Nellie, 2003).

Are the skies clear for viewing tonight? Viewing can be impacted by rain, clouds, humidity and other weather conditions. Conditions can be unique to Chabot because of its unique location in Joaquin Miller Park. Before your visit, check out the Weather Station to see the current conditions at Chabot.

Website:  https://chabotspace.org/events/free-telescope-viewings/

Before your visit:

• Check humidity on our Weather Station:  https://chabotspace.org/weather-station/

• Check cloud cover using the live view webcam of the Center:  https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2578

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Saturday, 12/28/24
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

In-person

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Family Astronomy Workshop: The Glistening Wonders of Stars

Uncover the mysteries of the stars in this exciting and educational workshop, perfect for families with children ages 6 and up! Explore the enchanting world of stars through an engaging combination of a short talk and hands-on activities that bring the cosmos to life. Learn about the star lifecycle, star formation, the chemical composition of stars, and our very own star, the sun.

Led by our knowledgeable staff and Chabot’s high school Galaxy Explorers, this interactive workshop will ignite curiosity and wonder in young astronomers. End the evening with free public telescope viewing at 7:30 PM at the Observatory, where families can gaze at the stars in real time (weather permitting).

Complimentary hot chocolate and snacks will be provided to add a cozy, festive touch to this stellar experience.

Intended for families with children 6+

Website: https://chabotspace.org/calendar/family-astronomy-workshop-the-glistening-wonders-of-stars/

Cost:  $25 Adult, $15 youth

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Friday, 01/03/25
06:00 PM - 10:00 PM

In-person

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

First Friday: BLAST OFF

This First Friday, prepare for liftoff at Chabot Space and Science Center, where adventure awaits! Spend a thrilling evening dedicated to the excitement of space exploration. Discover the science behind rocket launches, create your own space-inspired art to take home, and dance the night away to live music. Don’t miss this chance to blast off into an unforgettable night of discovery and fun! The perfect wrap-up to the holiday season.

Website: https://chabotspace.org/calendar/first-friday-blast-off/

Cost:  $10 Adults, $5 kids/seniors, free for members