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.
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.
Eta Aquariids Focus Night
May 2, 2025 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
What are those bright sparks zipping across the sky? The beginning of May brings the first meteor shower this year with excellent viewing conditions. Eta Aquariids are bright, fast meteors that leave persistent trains in the sky. But what causes this shower and why does it occur at the same time each year? Come learn what’s so significant about these meteors and the famous astronomer hidden behind them.
This Focus night equips you for an eta Aquariid ”peak” experience. Unlike planets that can hang around for months, a meteor shower is only visible over a short period of time. You will learn about different kinds of showers, why most are best viewed after midnight, and how to understand what you are seeing. You’ll also discover factors that influence meteor counts and how to optimize your viewing over the next few days.
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.
Orionids Focus Night
October 21, 2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The ideal weather and clear skies of October provide a perfect chance to enjoy these fast bright meteors. This is considered one of the most beautiful showers of the year, a spectacular show framed by some of the brightest stars in the sky. But what causes this shower and why does it occur at this time of year? Come learn about these unique meteors, with long trails that can linger in the sky for minutes. Some even produce fireballs!
This Focus night equips you for an Orionid ”peak” experience. Unlike planets that can hang around for months, a meteor shower is only visible over a short period of time. You will learn about different kinds of showers, why most are best viewed after midnight, and how to understand what you are seeing. You’ll also discover factors that influence meteor counts and how to optimize your viewing over the next few days.
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.