Los Angeles 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 **Los Angeles 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.
	+ **Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation** - Operated by Greater Los Angeles Area Council BSA, this magnificent camp is located near Lake Arrowhead at over 5,000 feet of elevation and with over 2,000 acres of pristine forest in the San Bernardino Mountains. Programs include shooting sports venues, a swimming pool, craft and nature programs, horseback riding, a climbing wall, a high ropes C.O.P.E. course, an astronomy program, and the new 1,100 foot Zip Line spanning our entire canyon, give it a try!
	+ **Camp Josepho** - professionally operated by the Western Los Angeles County Council Boy Scouts of America serving 10,000 Scouts from all across Los Angeles County- giving young men and women access to a range of programs and empowering them to create their own experiences from Cub Scouts to ScoutsBSA to Venturing. We’re building leaders and bringing Scouting values to life through weekly meetings, outdoor activities, merit badges, and real-world projects. See more about Scouting in Los Angeles here.
	+ **Catalina Island Astronomy** - A pair of the best BSA Summer Camps for Astronomy are found on Catalina Island.
* **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**

* Los Angeles Astronomical Society - Operates the **Ford Observatory** near the border of the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest near Wrightwood, California (United States). It was founded by the late astronomer Clinton B. Ford. The observatory contains an 18-inch, f/7 newtonian reflector.
* San Fernando Observatory - CalState Northridge facility -
* Night Sky Networy (JPL-NASA) - Astronomy Clubs networking together.
* Astronomy Clubs in California.

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### **Griffith Observatory**

**Griffith Observatory** is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's most popular attractions. The Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. It is 1,134 feet above sea level and is visible from many parts of the Los Angeles basin. The Observatory is the best vantage point for observing the world-famous Hollywood Sign.

Sparking imagination and inquiry through exposure to the awe and wonder inherent in astronomy is the goal of the new Griffith Observatory exhibit program. Each visitor is cast in the role of an observer and provided with opportunities to see and do real observing in authentic environments. By exploring fundamental questions - what do we observe, how do we observe it, and why it is important - the exhibits prompt visitors to ponder their own relationship with the universe.

* **Samuel Oschin Planetarium** features an array of state-of-the-art technologies to support world-class scientific educational programming for audiences of all ages. With its spectacular Zeiss star projector, advanced digital projection system, state-of-the-art aluminum dome, comfy seats, immersive sound system, and LED theatrical lighting, the 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium Theater is the finest planetarium in the world. Unlike many other planetaria, Griffith Observatory continues a long tradition of presenting exclusively live planetarium programs with a lecturer who can connect with audiences and convey astronomical knowledge with enthusiasm and passion.
* **Wilder Hall of the Eye** illustrates the nature and progress of human observation of the sky and the tools used for that exploration. This exhibit gallery focuses on how people have observed the sky and the often profound impact those observations have had on people and society. Each of the four Wilder Hall of the Eye exhibit areas charts the key developments that have further evolved our ability to help our eyes see farther, fainter, and beyond.
* **Public Telescopes** - Griffith Observatory is one of the premier public observatories in the world. One of the principal reasons is the presence and regular availability of high-quality public telescopes. Griffith J. Griffith wanted the public to have the opportunity to look through a telescope, which he felt might broaden human perspective. Mounted in the copper-clad domes on either end of the building, the Zeiss and solar telescopes are free to the public every day and night the sky is clear.
* **Griffith Roof & Terraces** - give visitors a chance to observe the panorama of Los Angeles. Connected by the Observatory's lawn and sidewalks, the terraces provide vantage points facing in every direction, accessible each day from sunrise until 10:00 p.m. (when Griffith Park closes). The roof is accessible when the building is open to the public.
* **Solar System Lawn Model** - Engraved in the front sidewalk of Griffith Observatory is a scale model of our solar system. One-quarter-inch-wide bronze lines mark the orbits of the planets, which are indicated with bronze plaques also embedded in the sidewalks. Each orbit is properly scaled around the Sun, a half-inch circle centered at the base of the historic Observatory front steps.
* **Astronomers Monument and Sundial** - Greeting visitors upon their arrival at Griffith Observatory, the Astronomers Monument is a large outdoor concrete sculpture on the front lawn that pays homage to six of the greatest astronomers of all time.
* **Gottlieb Transit Corridor** a monumental 150-foot-long, 10-foot-wide glass-walled passageway, immerses visitors in the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars across the sky and demonstrates how these motions are linked with time and the calendar. Like the Observatory's other public observing instruments, the Gottlieb Transit Corridor transforms visitors into astronomical observers and immerses them in the meaning of those observations.
* **Ahmanson Hall of the Sky** - Imagine a world without day or night, with no change of seasons or annual cycles. It wouldn't be Earth, because the Sun and Moon dominate our sky and measure the march of time. Sunrise, sunset, and the passing of years and seasons--as well as the restless tides, monthly Moon phases, and awe-inspring eclipses--occur because the Earth and Moon move in relation to the Sun and each other.

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### **Mt Wilson Observatory**

* Mt Wilson Observatory - For the first half of the 20th Century, Mount Wilson was the most famous observatory in the world. The biggest telescopes were here, and their new designs were changing the way astronomy was done. Among the many discoveries made on the mountain, a few revolutionized our understanding of our place in the Universe. It holds a unique place in humanity’s search for our most distant origins. Today, our original solar and nighttime telescopes, the world’s largest for two generations of astronomers, have been joined by the new CHARA array, which has the highest resolution of any optical or infrared system ever built, achieving unprecedented views of the stars.
* Mt Wilson Featured on KCET - Virtual Tour of the Observatory and its history
* Huell Howser 2010 California Gold - Special Virtual Tour of My Wilson
* *Reflections* Newsletter - Recent issues of the Mount Wilson Institute newsletter *Reflections* are archived here.
* October Pasadena Star Party - During Pasadena’s Astronomy Week in October, amateur astronomers were invited to set up their telescopes for visitors to see a wide variety of celestial objects.

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### **AstroCamp California**

**AstroCamp California** mountain adventure and science summer camp for kids and teens offers unforgettable educational camp programs for 8-17 year olds who love science and space exploration. Set among the gorgeous pine forests of the San Jacinto Mountains of California, AstroCamp will open your child’s eyes to the excitement of exploring science and mountain adventures.

Our fun-filled one-and two-week programs give campers the unique opportunity to explore science and space in our state-of-the-art facilities and engage in mountain adventure activities–all while making newfound friendships and having the time of their lives with campers from around the globe.

Campers will broaden their horizons and learn valuable communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills in an encouraging and supportive environment. Telescope observations, rocketry, and planetary and solar science will deepen their understanding of science and space exploration, and campouts, mountain biking, archery, rock climbing, and bouldering provide thrilling mountain adventures.

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### **UCLA Department of Astronomy**

* **UCLA Department of Astronomy - Wednesday Evening Public Shows**: Public planetarium shows are free and suitable for all ages, and are given by current astronomy graduate students. Content varies with presenters, but commonly includes discussion about the current night sky, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and more! Public shows are free. On clear nights, visitors are invited to look through one of the department telescopes after the planetarium show. We view a variety of celestial objects, including planets, nebulae, and star clusters (depending on what objects are currently visible in the night sky). Located on the 9th floor roof of the UCLA Mathematical Sciences Building.

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### **California Science Center**

**Air & Space Exhibits** at California Science Center in Los Angeles Exposition Park. Admission includes access to the permanent exhibits, such as the **Space Shuttle Endeavour** and other prominent aircraft and spacecraft, and to various demonstrations. A separate ticket is required for the IMAX movies, most special traveling exhibitions, and special activities that include a climbing wall, motion simulator, and a high-wire bicycle.

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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.
* Catalina Island Astronomy -
* Inland Empire Astronomy -
* San Diego Astronomy
* Las Vegas Astronomy

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## ThinkAndGrin

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