Orange County 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 **Orange County 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.
	+ See Also Catalina Island Astronomy
* **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**

* Orange County Telescope - Neighborhood Astronomy Experts. With over 25 years of experience in helping amateur astronomers in the store, on the phone, via email, in user groups and social media, our one passion is seeing you grow in interests and knowledge in the hobby of amateur astronomy.
	+ OC Telescope on Facebook
* Astronomy Clubs in California.
* 5 Best Stargazing Spots in Orange County.
* Irvine Ranch Night Hikes - Come join us for an interactive evening under the stars.  Immerse yourself in a scaled down version of our solar system.  Test your imagination in naming the constellations.  Reenact the struggle between Orion and the Scorpion.  The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a high level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower paced hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.

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### **Orange County Astronomers**

* **Orange County Astronomers** - Holds monthly meetings for Bringing the Universe into Focus since 1967. The Orange County Astronomers is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to spread knowledge and appreciation of the science of astronomy. The club has been doing this for more than 40 years and has grown to over 800 members.
* **Kuhn Observatory at Anza House**- In September of 1984, a 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope along with an observatory were opened in the namesake of William Kuhn. This telescope is operated at the OCA Observatory, located at a dark-sky site that is a two hour drive from Orange County. Today there are several different areas on the site for observing pads, as well as several small observatory sites for individual members. The club holds a star party there every month, during which a certified telescope operator guides the 22-inch Cassegrain telescope around the night sky.

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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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### **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.
* See Also Catalina Island Astronomy

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## ThinkAndGrin

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