Catherine Thorpe
RMCS Parent Volunteer, River Creator Faire
River Montessori Charter School, Petaluma
Upcoming Events and Activities
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions. Select an event below for more details, or visit rfo.simpletix.com for more information and to purchase tickets, or visit our full Calendar. All events require advance tickets.
RFO Clear Sky Chart
Coming up for a visit? Click on the image below to see what the current RFO sky conditions are.
To learn more about this chart, click here.
Contact Us
For general inquiries and comments, please email us at [email protected] or call us at
707-833-6979.
What People Are Saying
“Thanks to the entire crew of RFO volunteers for offering a viewing station and activity at the Creator Faire. Their time, know-how, and enthusiasm made the event a success! I saw so many kids and parents alike engaging with the solar scopes, learning with the hands-on planet activity, and enjoying the gorgeous day.”
“The RFO volunteers were so kind and knowledgeable, and their inviting materials inspired so many children to connect with science and astronomy. I was thrilled to see them at the Creator Faire — inspiring to all!”
Kelly Griffith Mannion
Executive Director and Superintendent, RMCS
“As usual, your Zoom presentation was so well organized, timely, and informative. Your engaging enthusiasm for the topic, depth of background knowledge, interactive commentary, and facilitation of a truly open ended “Q & A” were outstanding. What a wonderful inspirational speaker to have chosen! Thank you for providing such an amazing learning experience. Your dedication to educational outreach through the RFO Speaker Series is most appreciated. Although free to us, the fortunate participants; it represents so many hours of dedicated preparation and sincere effort.”
Carolyn Watters
“On behalf of myself, my teaching partner Erica Eagle and our whole Mill Valley Middle School community we’d like to extend our sincere thanks for the inspiring Star Party last night. We were so pleased to take some time out of our hectic schedules to gaze up and enjoy the wonder of the night sky together. Our students and their families were so thrilled to have this opportunity and we were delighted to get to offer it to them with your guidance, tools and expertise. We hope to make it an annual event and appreciate all the time and effort it took for you to join us.”
Alison Downing
8th grade science teacher
Mill Valley Middle School
“RFO was a huge part of Hunter’s youth. He started there when he was 8 years old. He was treated with respect, given responsibilities and allowed to grow and learn. He was trusted using expensive high tech equipment. He was always treated like a docent – never like just some kid. I believe the way he was treated is directly related to how he grew up – being responsible, respectful, curious, and very tech oriented. I think a big part of the really cool human he has grown up to be is a direct result of his time at RFO. So for that I am forever grateful.”
James Ward
parent of an RFO docent
“You are a unique and wonderful organization which inspires and educates youth and adults alike to the wonders of the universe.”
RFO Donor