Lockwood Valley
Steve Kufeld (SKAS) Observing Site
Satellite image of of the SKAS showing the observing pads and the roof of the Gordon Mitchell Observatory in the center.
Dark Sky Nights
Dark Sky Nights are held on the Saturday closest to the new moon. All LAAS Members are able to use the site for observing.
Members are expected to arrive before sunset to setup and attend the Sunset Talk. White lights and laser pointers are not allowed and departure times are agreed to in advance so as to minimize the impact night vision.
Sixteen inch reflector in the Gordon Mitchell Observatory
The Steve Kufeld Astronomical Site is located in the Lockwood Valley near Frazier Park, is the LAAS dark sky site. It is located about 90 miles NW of Los Angeles, and takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach from the downtown Los Angeles area. The property has concrete pads with power for members to setup their telescopes, two port-a-potties, and a 16-inch telescope in an observatory with a roll-off roof.
All LAAS members are welcome to use the Lockwood facility on Dark Sky Nights and Family Nights. In general, Dark Sky Nights are on the Saturday closest to the new moon of each month, and Family Nights are on the Saturday closest to the third quarter moon in the Summer months. Check the LAAS Master Calendar for exact dates. Only Star Members are permitted access at times other than Dark Sky or Family Nights, but they are required to alert club officers or Board members if they will be at the facility on other than official event nights. You will find current email addresses for club officers in the monthly Bulletin.
Family Nights
Family Night is typically held in the summer months (June-September) on the Saturday closest to the 3rd quarter moon. This is a chance for members to share views of the night sky with their family and friends. The evening starts off with an informal pot luck dinner and unlike the rules for Dark Sky Night, members can leave when they wish, although they must arrive before sunset and attend the Sunset Talk. Laser pointers are allowed so members can highlight various objects in the night sky.
Star Membership
Star Membership is available those who have been members for at least one year and pay an additional fee. This gives them access to the site at all times. Star members are expected to help maintain and improve the site.
LAAS Members installing observing pads in 1971