Robert Ferguson Observatory, Sonoma County Astronomy for Everyone

Donate / Subscribe / Volunteer

Coming Events

(Observatory is open to the public
ONLY for scheduled events).

Saturday, Apr. 6

Solar Observing: 11am-3pm
Star Party: 8pm
Details

Friday, Apr. 5, 7:30pm

What's Up? is a limited-ticket event featuring a talk, suitable for all ages, on objects in our local galaxy, the Milky Way, and very deep space objects beyond. You'll get plenty of time at the telescope eyepieces too.

Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets.

Stretch for the Stars!

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 7pm

Wind down your Wednesday workday with a stretch of your body AND your mind at this unique event that connects inner space with outer space.

We'll begin with yoga stretches and breathing exercises led by Susan Topf from Sugarloaf Yoga Hikes, refuel the body with a provided local organic healthy drink, then stretch our minds with the Observatory's docents.
They'll give a short astronomy talk, then you'll gaze at the great expanse overhead with the observatory's
three amazing telescopes.

Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets.

Night Sky Classes

SPRING SERIES

Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Mar. 4,
Apr. 1, Apr. 29, May 6

A series of six classes focusing on the Spring constellations and their deep-sky objects. Classes last about an hour with telescope observing after class. For prices and more information go to our Classes page.

_______________

Want to help us keep our doors open?

RFO at night

Above: The Observatory at night. Photo by Mark Hillestad
Top right photo of Refractor Telescope by Jerry Telfer

Rent an
Observatory?

Yes, you can!
Treat your family, friends,
or group of up to 50 people
to a night with the stars!

_______________

Calendar of Upcoming Events

What's Up in the Night Sky

Join our email list for updates

Native American Astronomy
in Sugarloaf Park

Check out our Facebook page

Weather Forecast

Please refresh your browser to update chart.
Click on chart for detailed explanation.

Sugarloaf Ridge
State Park

"Team Sugarloaf" operates Sugarloaf Ridge,
including the campground. Five nonprofit organizations formed a unique partnership that has worked tirelessly to keep our park open.

Partners are: Sonoma Ecology Center; United Camps, Conferences and Retreats; Valley of the Moon Natural History Association; Sonoma County Trails Council; and Valley of the Moon Observatory Association.

With expertise in campground operations, ecological restoration, astronomy, trails management, and volunteer recruiting and training, Team Sugarloaf is creating new opportunities for Sugarloaf Ridge and its visitors. Visit sugarloafpark.org for more information.

Come to stargaze and camp at Sugarloaf Ridge!