Have you ever wondered what’s really out there in the night sky? Wished you could zoom in on cosmic marvels? What if you had a handful of astronomers at your elbow, showing the way, answering your questions in plain language?
That’s a Focus Night at the Robert Ferguson Observatory!
What:
We limit these family-friendly events to 40 people so attendees get plenty of scope time, have a chance to ask questions and talk to our experienced docents, and learn about the astronomical object that is the focus of the event. We purposely schedule Focus Nights when the astronomical object we are targeting is close and visible in the night sky. Themes can vary and have included Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, the Moon, Venus, the Perseids meteor shower, the Lyrid meteor shower, and more.
The program starts with a presentation to learn about the different features of the astronomical object being focused on and how to best view them through the telescopes (if applicable). After the detailed presentation it is off to the telescopes to view the object(s) for a deeper exploration, as well as other interesting objects, time and weather permitting. Observing will be done with RFO’s three main telescopes – an 8″ refractor, a 40″ reflector, and an RC20 20″ CCD telescope. As always, the observatory will be staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers eager to show you the night sights, and answer any questions you may have.
Poor weather does not cancel these events, but participants are welcome to come back for a star party for free if weather precludes them from viewing through the telescopes the night of the Focus Night.
Where:
At The Robert Ferguson Observatory (map). Park in the gravel area near the horse corrals just outside the gate to the Group Camp/Observatory site. You do not need to pay the park day use fee to attend the class.
When:
Classes are listed on our events calendar and tickets may be purchased at rfo.simpletix.com.
Mars Focus Night 2025
January 24, 2025 from 7:00-9:30 PM
MARS… the red planet. This rocky planet, fourth from the Sun, could harbor life and is the focus of much science and intrigue. Come learn what makes this planet so interesting and discover the winter sky. What will you see? Ice caps? Canals? On this particular date Mars will be at its very best and will be at a good altitude for the relatively rare Mars opposition (when it will be closest to earth).
Venus Focus Night 2025
February 21, 2025 from 6:00-8:30 PM
Not only will you see Venus in a telescope, but other spectacles of the night sky, including nebulae and galaxies!
Jupiter Focus Night 2025
February 28, 2025 from 7:00-9:00 PM
Learn about the Great Red Spot, the four Galilean moons, missions to Jupiter, and much more.
If you’ve never seen Jupiter in a telescope, you’re missing out on the thrill of a lifetime. But that’s not all! Other spectacles of the night sky, including nebulae and galaxies, also await.
Moon Focus Night 2025
October 4, 2025 from 7:00-9:30 PM
The Moon is the Earth’s nearest cosmic neighbor and the only place in the entire Universe, other than Earth, that has been walked upon by human beings. The Moon is covered with craters but there are also features known as rilles, scarps, swirls and dark halos.
In this lunar presentation, given to you on International Observe the Moon Night, you will learn all about these features and then view them through the telescopes. You will discover what we know about the Moon and what mysteries have yet to be solved.
Saturn Focus Night 2025
November 14, 2025 from 7:00-10:00 PM
SATURN… a world that continues to dazzle and mystify. This iconic planet, sixth from the Sun, is home to over 140 moons. Even more spectacular is its woven array of sparkling rings. But did you know that Saturn’s rings are disappearing? Come learn about this fascinating planetary system, and discover our autumn sky.