Imperial Valley Astronomy

**Astronomy** is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets.

**Amateur Astronomers** play an active role in this science. This is especially true for the discovery and
observation of transient events. Amateur astronomers have helped with many important discoveries, such as finding new comets.

There are many fun-filled educational adventure opportunities available for families and local youth groups in **Imperial Valley Astronomy.**

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## **BSA Scouting & Astronomy**

Many local **Scout Groups** frequently take youth-led monthly wilderness outings which include great opportunities for amateur astronomy. This includes activities that promote positive leadership, service, personal management and character traits.

The best part of Astronomy is being out in the dark open wilderness, far away from city light pollution and when you look up at the sky - know what highlights to look for. Even with just a basic set of binoculars you can easily find some very unique secrets hiding in the sky.

Other scouting resources for Astronomy include the following:

* **Astronomy Merit Badge** - The BSA Merit badge program has many useful suggestions for discovery learning activities include observation activities, personal study assignments, field trips, meeting with experienced mentors, etc in a safe environment. Many scout units are able to network with existing local resources.
* **Astronomy NOVA Award** - *Out of this World* - STEM group activities for younger Cub Scouts.
* **Astronomy Rugged-O** : A popular scouting activity that involves camping overnight directly under the stars (without a tent!) Being away from light sources this creates an optimum stargazing wilderness experience.
* **Boy Scouts of America** units sponsor a number scout camps in the area that include facilities to support Astronomy and other great outdoor activities. Many are open to the public during the year (conditions permitting) at a very low rates.
	+ **Mataguay Scout Ranch** operated by the BSA San Diego-Imperial Council is located in the shadow of the world famous Palomar Observatory. Their summer camp astronomy class arranges weekly tours of the observatory. Conditions permitting. The primary BSA wilderness summer camp in San Diego, it is open for use to scouts and non-scout families throughout the year. There are also several large campfire rings on the reservation if you wish to put on a large program in the evening. On the grounds of the ranch itself, there are numerous hiking trails and areas to be explored. For those who are looking for more challenging trails, there is the Mataguay Pacific Crest Connector Trail, or a seven mile trail into camp from Barrel Springs. There certainly is enough room for a group of any size.
	+ **Lost Valley Scout Camp** - "Get Lost in Adventure" the primary wilderness camp of the BSA Orange County Council is located near Borrego Springs in remote desert-mountain wilderness. It is an ideal location for Astronomy. Other activities include STEM center, field sports, handicrafts, nature center and shooting sports ranges. With over 45 Merit Badges offered at camp, Lost Valley makes it easy for youth to discover and develop what they like to do. Whether that is zip lining and horseback riding or mountain boarding and target shooting with paintballs, the Valley has it all. Plus, the friends they make will last a lifetime!
	+ **Camp Emerson** - For over 100 years providing quality outdoor programs for Scouts and their Families. Located in Idyllwild, CA at 5,000 foot elevation, Emerson offers memorable and well rounded experiences that will be cherished for a lifetime. Other camp activities include shooting sports, iron works, lake canoeing, massive 60-foot climbing tower and over 25 miles of hiking trails.
* **BeAScout.org** - Find a Scout Pack, Troop or Crew near you.
* **Astronomy for Scout Groups** - ScoutingMagazine.org Special Feature: Cultivate a lifelong interest in the sky and in science by using these tips for viewing the starry sky with your Scouts and Venturers.

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## **Local Programs**

Local community Astronomy programs include the following:

### **Community Groups & Forums**

* **Imperial Valley College - Astronomy 101** - ASTRONOMY 100: Principles of Astronomy : Division of Science, Mathematics and Engineering : Imperial Valley College
* Imperial Valley College Planetarium -
* New Dobsonian Telescope at I.V.D.M. - the museum received a 30-inch Dobsonian telescope from Lou Jackson, a San Diegan amateur astronomer and a member of the San Diego Astronomy Association.
	+ **Imperial Valley Desert Museum** - Dark Skies Astronomy;
	+ San Diego Astronomy Association -

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### **Tour Palomar Observatory**

**Palomar Observatory** is an astronomical observatory in San Diego County, California, United States, 145 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, California, in the Palomar Mountain Range. It is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena, California..

The Observatory is home to three active research telescopes: the 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope, the 48-inch (1.2-meter) Samuel Oschin Telescope, and the 60-inch (1.5-meter) telescope. Research at Palomar Observatory is pursued by a broad community of astronomers from Caltech and other domestic and international partner institutions.

In addition, other instruments and projects have been hosted at the observatory, such as the Palomar Testbed Interferometer and the historic 18-inch (0.46 m) Schmidt telescope, Palomar Observatory's first telescope, dating from 1936.

The observatory is located off State Route 76 in northern San Diego County, California, two hours' drive from downtown San Diego and three hours' drive from central Los Angeles ( UCLA, LAX airport ). Those staying at nearby Palomar Campground can visit Palomar Observatory by hiking 2.2 miles (3.5 km) up Observatory Trail.

* **CalTech Department of Astronomy** Operations Palomar Observatory- The Astronomy Department at the California Institute of Technology is part of the Division of Physics, Math, and Astronomy. Their primary missionis twofold: the performance of cutting-edge research in astronomy and astrophysics, including theory, observation, and experiment, as well as the education of undergraduate and graduate students and training of postdoctoral research associates who will comprise the scientists and leaders of tomorrow. Located in the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics on the Caltech campus.

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### **Tour Fleet Science Center**

**Fleet Science Center** (previously the 'Reuben H. Fleet Science Center') is a science museum and planetarium in Balboa Park, located in San Diego, California. It is at the east end of the El Prado Drive walkway, next to the Bea Evenson Fountain and plaza in central Balboa Park. Established in 1973, it was the first science museum to combine interactive science exhibits with a planetarium and an IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX) theater, setting the standard that most major science museums follow today.

* **Sky Tonight Planetarium** is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. A dominant feature is the large dome-shaped projection screen onto which scenes of stars, planets, and other celestial objects can be made to appear and move realistically to simulate the complex 'motions of the heavens'.
* **FLEETtv** - The Fleet Science Center invites you to connect to the power of science through FLEETtv! Welcome to an exciting place where you can have fun with experiments, hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes interviews, bloopers and more, all from the comfort of your home. Oh, and did we mention jokes? Because we have them, too. Get ready to experience that science really is everywhere with FLEETtv!.
* **Fleet Science Blog** - Get the latest news on all source of science topics.
* **Fleet Science Center** - Facebook Page.

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### **Tour Mt Laguna Observatory (MLO)**

**Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO)** is located 45 miles east of downtown San Diego at a dark site in the Cleveland National Forest at an altitude of 6100 feet (1859 meters).  This site is well protected from the urban lighting of the San Diego metropolitan area.  Its remoteness, along with the high percentage of clear nights and excellent seeing, makes Mount Laguna one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United State

Our students lead observational projects with these telescopes under the advisement of the faculty.  A five bedroom apartment building, four bedroom dormitory, and large shop building are also located on site. Instrument and CCD development are carried out at the on-campus mechanical and electronics shops. Observatory support staff includes a resident astronomer, an engineer, and the observatory superintendent.

* **SDSU Department of Astronomy** operates MLO to support its research, training, and educational programs. San Diego State University has the only Astronomy Department in the California State University system, and is the only campus to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Astronomy. The Department is actively engaged in research and is highly committed to student education. Students actively participate in research under the direction of the Department’s seven faculty. The Department provides excellent research and instructional facilities with its Mount Laguna Observatory and CCD Laboratory.

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### **Southern California Dark Sky Campgrounds**

Sure, California has a lot of people in it, but it has a lot of wide-open spaces, too. Set up camp at one of these parks, and you’ll be guaranteed of a starry show so bright that you’ll forget all about those far off city lights.

* **Death Valley National Park**
* **Joshua Tree National Park**
* **Palomar Mountain State Park**
* **Anza-Borrego Desert State Park**
* **Catalina Island**

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## **Astronomy Calendar**

* Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events - SeaSky.org
* InTheSky News Calendar - In-The-Sky.org
* Sights to See - TimeAndDate.com -
* List of Future Astronomical Events - Wikipedia

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## Resources

* 9 Things to Know about the Night Sky - ScoutLife.org
* Take the Night Sky All Star Tour - ScoutLife.org
* Astronomy Reference Guide - SeaSky.org
* Astronomy Classroom Resources - NationalScienceFoundation.org.
* AstroBetter - Blogs by Astronomers
* Astronomy.com - Astronomy Magazine

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## See Also

* National Scholarships and Grants = Scholarships in Astronomy and other Science Fields
* Scouting in California - List of major state youth camps.

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## ThinkAndGrin

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