Annual SFAA NIGHT

Fremont Peak Observatory

June 26-27, 2009

Renaud at the eyepiece of the 30" Challenger

courtesy of Art Rosch

Some previous years photos:
05 06 07 08

Each year for the past few years the FPOA has graciously granted us use of their 30 inch telescope for a Friday. In exchange, we do a public program the following day and night as a thank you. We have reserved the Observatory Friday, June 26th evening for an exclusive private gathering of members from the SFAA.

Wanna come? It's open to all current dues paying members of SFAA.
Please email all the following information: your license plate #, type and color of your car, if you are Friday Only in attendance and if you're bringing a scope the type and size like you do for Yosemite.
Here's who has signed up.

The Fremont Peak Observatory features a fine 30-inch f/4.8 Newtonian telescope built by Kevin Medlock of the Eastbay Astronomical Society. The telescope is mounted on an English cross-axis equatorial system. There are also 6 powered observing pads outside the observatory, where visiting astronomers (like SFAAer Richard Crisp) can set up to observe in Fremont Peak's dark skies.
From March through October, Fremont Peak Observatory conducts programs for the public at least three Saturday evenings a month, excluding the Saturday closest to full moon.

Fremont Peak State Park is about 100 miles south of San Francisco, and eleven miles south east of the town of San Juan Bautista. The park features camping facilities which are available either by reservation or first come first served basis. Please be sure and pay the day or or if camping the overnight fee in the green box by the public phone. At the bottom of the hill in San Juan Bautista is the San Juan Inn for those who would like more civilized overnight amenities.

Doug Brown, President of FPOA, noted that Fremont Peak has long been popular as a nearby dark sky observing and astrophotography site with a excellent southern horizons, and is even mentioned as a stopping place on page 50 of the May-June 2005 issue of AAA's Via Magazine! If you're interested, contact Doug.

This Saturday, Dave Samuels, VP of FPOA will be working with Hartnell College Research Project interns doing some imaging of asteriods.
*NB* Please keep leave the second telescope pad from the West side (second one from the fire hydrant) open for Dave and the interns.

We have one Iridium Flare for tonight and tomorrow to observe.

Dr. Doris Sloan, an FPOA member wrote an article in Bay Nature Magazine about Fremont Peak. Coincidentally the April-June 08 article is embellished with our own Michael Kran's photos as well!

For SFAA members wanting to enjoy this gorgeous telescope on their own, practically whenever they choose (with a few exceptions) and you're interested in joining FPOA Those interested in joining FPOA can learn about the benefits of membership and download an application form.

Also, if you'd like to participate in a great social activity with the FPOA folks, they are having their Star B Q in conjuction with the AANC on Saturday July 25th; please note: it's the same weekend as our Yosemite Star Party. Hey, great minds think alike. It's the best New Moon weekend of the summer. However, please do let Doug Brown know if you're interested in coming.. The Fremont Peak Star B Q is always fun and sure to please. The Peak is also 3 hours closer.

For more information about Fremont Peak Observatory, including excellent directions to Fremont Peak State Park and the Observatory, visit their web site at http://www.fpoa.net

Looking forward to seeing you again this year,

Ken