Los Angeles Astronomical Society

Dark Sky Star Parties

Aside from the public star parties, which of necessity take place in a highly urbanized environment, we also maintain an active calendar of dark-sky star parties for the more serious pursuits of the amateur astronomer. The LAAS is fortunate to own its own 2½ acre site in Ventura County's Lockwood Valley. The site was recently named the Steve Kufeld Astronomical Site in honor of the late Steve Kufeld, who played a major role in acquiring and improving the property. This site includes telescope pads with power, as well as a heated rest area for friends & family (and astronomers) who just don't handle the winter chill that well. It is also the home of the Gordon Mitchell Observatory and its 16 inch Newtonian, as well as our 31 inch Clyde-O-Scope Newtonian-Cass. The former is named in honor of past president Gordon Mitchell, and the latter in honor of Clyde Tombough, who donated the primary mirror.

The dark sky star parties at the Steve Kufeld Astronomical Site in Lockwood Valley are for members and their guests. Larger or special groups require the approval of the LAAS Board, and will be hosted by LAAS Star members on a night other than the normal dark sky night. The property is not open to the public. Only Star Members enjoy unescorted access to the property.

2013 Star Party Dates are listed in the table below.  Arrivals to the site after civil twilight are prohibited.  Data was calculated from http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jax/?n=astro

For those of you who want to see for your eyes the weather in the area, there are three webcams in Frazier Park that may interest you.

• The Pine Mountain Club Mt. Pinos Webcam
• The Frazier Park School Weathercam
• The Frazier Park Cuddy Valley Webcam

If you want to get an idea of what to look at prior to arriving at the Steve Kufeld Astronomical Site:
Terry's Hunt of the Month is a good place to start for some Monthly Observing Lists.

Please also check out our Public Star Parites.