{"id":1148,"date":"2022-01-29T00:30:26","date_gmt":"2022-01-29T08:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/?page_id=1148"},"modified":"2026-04-11T19:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T02:43:10","slug":"rfo-in-the-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/rfo-in-the-news\/","title":{"rendered":"RFO in The News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weekendsherpa.com\/stories\/star-party-robert-ferguson-observatory-sonoma-valley\/\">True Star Power<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weekend Sherpa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 8, 2026<\/strong> &#8211; Here&#8217;s a truly enlightening way to spend an evening: head to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a &#8220;star party.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/2026\/02\/27\/kenwoods-robert-ferguson-observatory-to-host-lunar-eclipse-focus-night\/?utm_email=E5C37404B4A5D572442154FD25&amp;lctg=E5C37404B4A5D572442154FD25&amp;utm_source=listrak&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pressdemocrat.com%2f2026%2f02%2f27%2fkenwoods-robert-ferguson-observatory-to-host-lunar-eclipse-focus-night%2f&amp;utm_campaign=sonoma-press_democrat-daybreak-nl&amp;utm_content=curated\">Kenwood\u2019s Robert Ferguson Observatory hosts \u2018Lunar Eclipse Focus Night\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>February 27, 2026 <\/strong>&#8211; Although the total lunar eclipse or \u201cBlood Moon\u201d wasn\u2019t visible until hours later, the Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood\u2019s Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosted a \u201cLunar Eclipse Focus Night\u201d&nbsp; March 2, to prepare sky watchers who planned to catch a glimpse of the overnight wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-sonoma-index-tribune wp-block-embed-sonoma-index-tribune\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"N9qR4o7mxl\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/2026\/02\/27\/kenwoods-robert-ferguson-observatory-to-host-lunar-eclipse-focus-night\/\">Photos: Kenwood&#8217;s Robert Ferguson Observatory hosts &#8216;Lunar Eclipse Focus Night&#8217;<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Photos: Kenwood&#8217;s Robert Ferguson Observatory hosts &#8216;Lunar Eclipse Focus Night&#8217;&#8221; &#8212; Sonoma Index-Tribune\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/2026\/02\/27\/kenwoods-robert-ferguson-observatory-to-host-lunar-eclipse-focus-night\/embed\/#?secret=y7DYR01zD8#?secret=N9qR4o7mxl\" data-secret=\"N9qR4o7mxl\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:37% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2932 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color.jpg 512w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-370x370.jpg 370w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-60x60.jpg 60w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-270x270.jpg 270w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-192x192.jpg 192w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-RFO_color-32x32.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/robert-ferguson-observatory-announces-new-programs-for-2026\/article_88a59f8b-774c-4915-8bf4-9d5e04ca36c9.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RFO Announces new programs for 2026<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>December 12, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>The Robert Ferguson Observatory has announced an expanded lineup of engaging, immersive, and educational programs coming in 2026. Designed to inspire curiosity and make astronomy accessible to all, these new offerings hope to blend science, community and fun.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"803\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-803x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2898 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-803x1024.jpg 803w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-235x300.jpg 235w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-768x979.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-1205x1536.jpg 1205w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-1606x2048.jpg 1606w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-47x60.jpg 47w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/stacy-luther-scaled.jpg 2008w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/robert-ferguson-observatory-welcomes-stacy-luther\/article_9652ee0c-9a46-4584-941b-f6bb29473415.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert Ferguson Observatory announces Stacy Luther<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>July 25, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>The RFO Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Stacy Luther, owner of Vine and Seek, to its Board, marking a significant step toward ensuring the organization continues to create awareness of its place as a public resource in the county, and remains attuned to the needs of the broader community.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/40th-Annual-Striking-Sparks-Competition-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"40th Annual Striking Sparks Competition\" class=\"wp-image-2865 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/40th-Annual-Striking-Sparks-Competition-rotated.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/40th-Annual-Striking-Sparks-Competition-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/40th-Annual-Striking-Sparks-Competition-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/40th-Annual-Striking-Sparks-Competition-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/article\/news\/eli-smith-prestwood-striking-sparks-ferguson-observatory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prestwood student wins telescope in Kenwood observatory competition<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Sonoma Index-Tribune<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 14, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>Eli Smith, a fifth grade student at Prestwood Elementary School, has received a telescope from Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood after being declared a winner in its 40th Annual Striking Sparks competition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"591\" height=\"762\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Baylee-Hurley.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Baylee Hurley\" class=\"wp-image-2863 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Baylee-Hurley.png 591w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Baylee-Hurley-233x300.png 233w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Baylee-Hurley-47x60.png 47w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">High school student joins Sugarloaf park observatory board of directors<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/industrynews\/sugarloaf-credo-high-school\/?ref=home-business\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/industrynews\/sugarloaf-credo-high-school\/?ref=home-business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Press Democrat<\/a><\/strong>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.northbaybusinessjournal.com\/article\/industrynews\/sugarloaf-credo-high-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>North Bay Business Journal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 3, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>By appointing the Credo High School student, who is an astronomy enthusiast, the Robert Ferguson Observatory hopes to diversify its board of directors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"591\" height=\"762\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_2025-05-04_173350540.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Baylee Hurley\" class=\"wp-image-2858 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_2025-05-04_173350540.png 591w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_2025-05-04_173350540-233x300.png 233w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_2025-05-04_173350540-47x60.png 47w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/robert-ferguson-observatory-welcomes-teen-board-member-in-effort-to-diversify-leadership\/article_5cde646c-8965-441d-96d3-a6d1e824468a.html#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert Ferguson Observatory welcomes teen board member in effort to diversify leadership<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>March 28, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Baylee Hurley, a high school student, to its Board, marking a significant step toward diversifying leadership and ensuring the organization remains attuned to the needs of student and youth audiences.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/sanfrancisco\/video\/north-bay-observatory-stargazers-ready-for-total-lunar-eclipse\/#x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Bay observatory stargazers ready for total lunar eclipse<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>March 13, 2025 &#8211;<\/strong> Stargazers in the Bay Area and much of the country are readying for Thursday night\u2019s total lunar eclipse, in particular an observatory in the North Bay. Brian Hackney reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"North Bay observatory stargazers ready for total lunar eclipse\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KCg8UCJUI1c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"164\" height=\"139\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Witching-Hour-The-Magic-of-Dark-Skies.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of person with long hair and glasses writing in notebook with a green book cover.\" class=\"wp-image-2801 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Witching-Hour-The-Magic-of-Dark-Skies.jpg 164w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-Witching-Hour-The-Magic-of-Dark-Skies-71x60.jpg 71w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenwoodpress.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.kenwoodpress.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Witching Hour: The magic of dark skies<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kenwood Press<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>January 15, 2025 &#8211; <\/strong>While the hills that cup the observatory shield it from night light originating in Sonoma Valley, RFO volunteers pay close attention to light pollution emanating from farther afield, and have noticed an increase in the size of light domes from nearby urban areas, particularly in the southern sky.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-1024x768.png\" alt=\"Robert Ferguson Observatory in the day time with clear skies.\" class=\"wp-image-2626 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO-80x60.png 80w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CalParks-RFO.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.calparks.org\/blog\/parks-after-dark-top-california-state-parks-stargazing?emci=ae591cd2-557b-ef11-991a-6045bdee6681&amp;emdi=8ed19ec2-287c-ef11-8473-6045bda8aa34&amp;ceid=266320\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parks after dark: Top California state parks for stargazing<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>California State Parks Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>September 10, 2024<\/strong> &#8211; Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, nestled in the hills, is home to the&nbsp;Robert Ferguson Observatory&nbsp;(named after a Sonoma County amateur astronomer) which is the largest observatory in the western United States dedicated solely to public programming. The park is located in the Mayacamas Mountains (which divide the&nbsp;Sonoma and Napa Valleys) \u2014 these mountains protect against light pollution from the nearby San Francisco Bay Area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RFO_LEAD.png\" alt=\"RFO under Milky Way\" class=\"wp-image-2312 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RFO_LEAD.png 1000w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RFO_LEAD-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RFO_LEAD-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RFO_LEAD-107x60.png 107w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northbaybiz.com\/2024\/06\/03\/out-of-this-world-at-rfo\/\">Out of this world at RFO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>North Bay Biz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>June 3, 2024 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>After having lived a full life in Petaluma, Robert Ferguson passed away in 1993. He was a remarkable man. His daughter Colleen, an RFO volunteer, docent and board member, has fond memories of him\u2026Dad also loved science fiction stories, including the original <em>Star Trek<\/em>. He talked about how astronomy put things in perspective how whatever he was stressed about during the day, melted away when he stargazed at night.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/norcalpublicmedia.org\/postcards-from-sonoma-county\/greetings-from-the-robert-ferguson-observatory\">Greetings From the Robert Ferguson Observatory<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NorCal Public Media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May 26, 2024<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em>The observatory was started about 28 years ago by a group of community members. There\u2019s the name of Robert Ferguson because he was an amateur astronomer who really wanted to inspire, especially youth, to study the stars.<\/em><audio src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/POSTCARD-Robert-Ferguson-Observatory_1.wav\"><\/audio><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/POSTCARD-Robert-Ferguson-Observatory_1.wav\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Talking Stars in the Valley of the Moon: Robert Ferguson Observatory\u2019s Stephanie Derammelaere<\/strong><br><br><strong>The Sonoma Spiel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Talking Stars in the Valley of the Moon: Robert Ferguson Observatory&#039;s Stephanie Derammelaere\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NX80LoWFMl4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May 20, 2024 \u2013<\/strong>&nbsp;Not many places have a professional-level, volunteer-run observatory open to the public. But not many places have the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Luckily, Sonoma Valley does. Executive Director Stephanie Derammelaere explains the mission of the observatory, how it came to be, why Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a good place to see planets and stars and galaxies, and how visitors can come up and see the heavens during various events.She also details how visitors can take a walk that outlines the scale model size of the solar system.Like all of our podcast guests she also answers YOUR Sonoma questions during \u201cWe Get Questions.\u201d &nbsp;It\u2019s Sonoma Valley\u2019s top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-sonoma-spiel\/id1634467429\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-sonoma-spiel\/id1634467429<\/a>&nbsp;<br>Spotify:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b<\/a>&nbsp;<br>Youtube:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen on Apple Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-sonoma-spiel\/id1634467429?i=1000655719598\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-sonoma-spiel\/id1634467429?i=1000655719598<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Striking Sparks Winner 2024 Carina Xu with Family\" class=\"wp-image-2243 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-With-Family-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomacountygazette.com\/sonoma-county-news\/telescope-rohnert-park-competition\/?artslide=0\">Rohnert Park fifth grader takes home new telescope as winner of the Striking Sparks competition<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sonoma County Gazette<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May 3, 2024&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 Carina Xu, a fifth grader at Rohnert Park&#8217;s Richard Crane Elementary School won first place in the 2024 Striking Sparks competition and was awarded a new, easy-to-use, 5.3-inch reflecting Dobsonian mount telescope.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Striking Sparks Winner 2024 Carina Xu\" class=\"wp-image-2241 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-45x60.jpg 45w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Strike-Sparks-2024-Winner-Carina-Xu-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/striking-sparks-award-winner\/article_c6951cf6-fce9-11ee-977f-4bb0f7eb0aa8.html\">Striking sparks award winner<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 19, 2024<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) chose a Rohnert Park student as the recipient in this year&#8217;s Striking Sparks competition, a program that awards telescopes to Sonoma County students to promote science education and interest in astronomy. The 2024 winner is Carina Xu, a 5th grader at Richard Crane Elementary School.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Radio Interview with Stephanie Derammelaere Talking About the Eclipse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>KZST Morning Show<\/strong><strong>April 8, 2024<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Since that path of totality is very small, the chance that it will occur at some specific location is very low. For example, Santa Rosa may have to wait many centuries for a path of totality to fall specifically through here\u2026A lot of our docents are gone for the next couple weeks for this.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><audio src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eclispe-Interview-1.mp3\"><\/audio><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Eclispe-Interview-1.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Space-Magazine-1.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the cover of Space magazine from Mercury News.\" class=\"wp-image-2055 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Space-Magazine-1.jpg 240w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Space-Magazine-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Space-Magazine-1-45x60.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/store.mercurynews.com\/product\/7QAMMN200\/space-premium-edition?cp=110522_110539\">Three treks on terra firma take you closer to the stars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SPACE Premium Edition, Mercury News<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>January 21, 2024<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) in Sonoma County is truly a citizen\u2019s observatory. Named for Bob Ferguson, an amateur Petaluma astronomer who built telescopes for children, it holds the largest publicly accessible telescope in Northern California. The observatory\u2019s grounds in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park are home to a unique citizen-designed hike as well: the Planet Walk. It\u2019s a 4.5-mile journey that simulates the distances between our sun and the planets, with each step you take representing 1 million miles.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"RFO at night with the Milk Way visible\" class=\"wp-image-1624 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-90x60.jpg 90w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/issuu.com\/aaa_mwg\/docs\/septemberoctober2023_ca_via?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hidden Sonoma County Gems to Discover in Fall<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Via, AAA Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>September + October 2023&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 \u201cWith several powerful telescopes, the observatory is the largest in Northern California completely dedicated to public viewing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/annual-eclipse-kent-porter-the-press-democrat.jpg\" alt=\"Crescent moon\" class=\"wp-image-1815 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/annual-eclipse-kent-porter-the-press-democrat.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/annual-eclipse-kent-porter-the-press-democrat-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/annual-eclipse-kent-porter-the-press-democrat-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/annual-eclipse-kent-porter-the-press-democrat-103x60.jpg 103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/news\/sonoma-county-residents-get-glimpse-of-ring-of-fire-eclipse\/?pupeml=57509&amp;artslide=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sonoma County residents get glimpse of Ring of Fire eclipse<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Kent Porter, The Press Democrat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>October 14, 2023&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 \u201cIt was really cool, pretty emotional\u201d, said Eric McHenry, who joined about 150 people at an eclipse viewing party at the Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood\u2019s Sugarloaf State Park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Partial-Solar-Eclipse-David-Kent.jpg\" alt=\"Solar eclipse\" class=\"wp-image-1801 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Partial-Solar-Eclipse-David-Kent.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Partial-Solar-Eclipse-David-Kent-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Partial-Solar-Eclipse-David-Kent-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Partial-Solar-Eclipse-David-Kent-88x60.jpg 88w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/news\/kenwood-observatory-hosting-solar-eclipse-party-saturday\/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=pd_daily&amp;pupeml=57509\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Kenwood observatory hosting solar eclipse party Saturday<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: David Kent, AP Photo\/The Forth Worth Star-Telegram<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>October 11, 2023&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 While the \u201cring of fire\u201d effect. when the moon crosses in front of the sun but does not fully cover it, that occurs during annular eclipses won\u2019t be fully visible in Sonoma County, locals will see a partial eclipse, said Jack Welch, a docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood\u2019s Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"413\" height=\"292\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image_2023-09-24_073826042.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1785 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image_2023-09-24_073826042.png 413w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image_2023-09-24_073826042-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image_2023-09-24_073826042-85x60.png 85w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airstreamlife.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seeing Stars! Dark-sky camping for the best stargazing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Airstream Life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fall 2023<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Issue<\/strong>\u2013 \u201cWhen we have public stargazing programs at the observatory, most people don\u2019t care about the nebulae, galaxies and double stars that are really far away, but they\u2019re excited to see Jupiter, the Big Dipper, Mars, Saturn\u2019s rings, and everyday constellations like Cassiopeia and Pisces.\u201d \u2013 Eric McHenry, International President of Airstream Club International and Board President of the Robert Ferguson Observatory<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"607\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO.png\" alt=\"M74\" class=\"wp-image-1741 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO.png 607w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO-370x370.png 370w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/m74_RFO-60x60.png 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 607px) 100vw, 607px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/issuu.com\/65-57-degree\/docs\/57_65_summer_2023_issuu\/1?ff&amp;experiment=flat-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Cosmic Experience Awaits<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>57  Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>July 17, 2023<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 While the exquisite fruits of Sonoma County\u2019s soil draw visitors from around the world, there is also endless wonder to be found in the county\u2019s skies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"709\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MJ-Ward_RFO-Benefit-Concert_2023_Press-Democrat.jpg\" alt=\"MJ Ward, laughs as she performs with The Social Construct during a concert and silent auction to benefit the Robert Ferguson Observatory called &quot;The Sky's the Limit&quot; held at the Phoenix Theater, Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Petaluma. (Darryl Bush \/ For The Press Democrat)\" class=\"wp-image-1675 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MJ-Ward_RFO-Benefit-Concert_2023_Press-Democrat.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MJ-Ward_RFO-Benefit-Concert_2023_Press-Democrat-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MJ-Ward_RFO-Benefit-Concert_2023_Press-Democrat-768x532.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MJ-Ward_RFO-Benefit-Concert_2023_Press-Democrat-87x60.jpg 87w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/news\/teen-musicians-rock-petalumas-phoenix-theater-to-benefit-robert-ferguson-o\/?artslide=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Teen musicians rock Petaluma\u2019s Phoenix Theater to benefit Robert Ferguson Observatory<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Darryl Bush, The Press Democrat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May 10, 2023&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 Teen musicians rocked out in Petaluma May 6 in support of an organization helping young people reach for the stars.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Flower-Moon_AP-Photo_Ted-S-Warren-1.jpg\" alt=\"Craters and other markings are visible as the supermoon rises as seen from Olympia, Wash., on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. This full moon is also known as the sturgeon supermoon, and is the last of four supermoons \u2014 which occur when the moon is full when it is at its closest location to the earth \u2014 in 2022. (AP Photo\/Ted S. Warren)\" class=\"wp-image-1680 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Flower-Moon_AP-Photo_Ted-S-Warren-1.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Flower-Moon_AP-Photo_Ted-S-Warren-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Flower-Moon_AP-Photo_Ted-S-Warren-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Flower-Moon_AP-Photo_Ted-S-Warren-1-90x60.jpg 90w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/lifestyle\/meteor-shower-flower-moon-in-the-skies-this-week\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meteor shower, \u201cFlower Moon\u201d in the skies this week above Northern California<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Ted S. Warren, AP Photo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May 4, 2023<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 \u201cThe significance of having several events in the sky at once is simply that it is more exciting to go out and look up at the sky,\u201d Rachel Freed, amateur astronomer, educator and docent at Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood, wrote in an email.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Telescope inside of a cabin\" class=\"wp-image-1626 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash-90x60.jpg 90w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/jennifer-lim-tamkican-Utt2Kc2JyAc-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/porch.com\/advice\/stargazing-diy-observatories\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">From Planning to Stargazing: Everything You Need to Know About DIY Backyard Observatories<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Porch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 14, 2023 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>For many telescope enthusiasts, space photographers, and amateur astronomers,&nbsp;stargazing&nbsp;is more than just a hobby: it\u2019s a passion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"The night sky featuring a meteor shower with a view of the Milky Way in the background\" class=\"wp-image-1625 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o-107x60.jpg 107w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/49807100282_d52621076c_o.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/baynature.org\/2023\/04\/13\/the-lyrids-are-our-first-chance-to-see-some-shooting-stars-this-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Lyrids Are Our First Chance to See Some Shooting Stars This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Jeff Sullivan via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jeffreysullivan\/49807100282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flickr<\/a>, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bay Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 13, 2023 \u2013<\/strong>&nbsp;Born of comets, meteors are the little specks of dust that could.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"813\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-1024x813.jpg\" alt=\"2023 Striking Sparks winners\" class=\"wp-image-1659 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-1024x813.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-300x238.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-768x609.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-1536x1219.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-2048x1625.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Striking-Sparks-2023-Winners-RFO-2-76x60.jpg 76w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/five-striking-sparks-winners-to-be-awarded-telescopes\/article_284c1042-c8ef-11ed-bdd1-a3f8c2a33e6c.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Five Striking Sparks winners to be awarded telescopes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>March 24, 2023<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 This is the 38th year of the competition, a program facilitated by the Robert Ferguson Observatory that awards telescopes to Sonoma County students to promote science education and interest in astronomy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"RFO at night with the Milk Way visible\" class=\"wp-image-1624 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2-90x60.jpg 90w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Night-Sky-RFO-Diane-Askew-PR-HR-2.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/baynature.org\/article\/at-this-sonoma-park-you-can-walk-to-pluto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">At This Sonoma Park, You Can Walk to Pluto<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bay Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>March 22, 2023 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>The cosmos awaits you at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"863\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/M74-galaxy-face-on.jpg\" alt=\"M74\" class=\"wp-image-1280 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/M74-galaxy-face-on.jpg 863w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/M74-galaxy-face-on-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/M74-galaxy-face-on-768x759.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/M74-galaxy-face-on-61x60.jpg 61w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 863px) 100vw, 863px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/article\/news\/3-sonoma-students-honored-by-astronomy-program\/?artslide=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 Sonoma students honored by astronomy program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sonoma Index Tribune<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 6, 2022 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>Three Sonoma Valley students were awarded telescopes Thursday by Striking Sparks, a program that promotes science education and interest in astronomy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"2022 Striking Sparks winners\" class=\"wp-image-1274 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/277823702_402203327965517_6748839414746746454_n-90x60.jpg 90w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommunityvoice.com\/community\/five-students-awarded-telescopes-at-the-striking-sparks-ceremony\/article_0144702c-bb6a-11ec-85e2-e746e9b494fb.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2022 Striking Sparks Winners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Community Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>April 15, 2022 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>Five Students Awarded Telescopes at the Striking Sparks Ceremony.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-astronomy-for-all.jpg\" alt=\"RFO at night with the Milk Way visible\" class=\"wp-image-1159 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-astronomy-for-all.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-astronomy-for-all-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-astronomy-for-all-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-astronomy-for-all-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomacountygazette.com\/sonoma-county-news\/astronomy-for-all-in-kenwood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Astronomy for all in Kenwood<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sonoma County Gazette<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>January 21, 2022 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>Robert Ferguson Observatory Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-robbi-pengelly-index-tribune.jpg\" alt=\"Docent explaining the use of a telescope\" class=\"wp-image-1161 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-robbi-pengelly-index-tribune.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-robbi-pengelly-index-tribune-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-robbi-pengelly-index-tribune-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-robbi-pengelly-index-tribune-89x60.jpg 89w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/article\/news\/observatory-joins-museums-for-all\/?artslide=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert Ferguson Observatory joins Museums for All<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sonoma Index-Tribune<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Robbi Pengelly \/ Index-Tribune<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>January 20, 2022 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>The Robert Ferguson Observatory has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Association of Children\u2019s Museums, to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/press-democrat-rfo-kent-porter.jpg\" alt=\"Volunteers explain the night sky using laser pointers\" class=\"wp-image-1157 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/press-democrat-rfo-kent-porter.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/press-democrat-rfo-kent-porter-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/press-democrat-rfo-kent-porter-768x455.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/press-democrat-rfo-kent-porter-101x60.jpg 101w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/lifestyle\/explore-the-night-sky-at-robert-ferguson-observatory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore the night sky at Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Kent Porter \/ The Press Democrat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>October 1, 2021 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>On a recent weekday night inside a dark, open-roofed dome at Robert Ferguson Observatory, longtime volunteer David Kensiski turned a 40-inch-diameter telescope toward the first planetary nebula he discovered when he was 15 years old.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"RFO at night with the Milk Way visible\" class=\"wp-image-1160 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news-107x60.jpg 107w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-sonoma-news.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomanews.com\/article\/news\/rfo-opens-up-the-eyes-of-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RFO opens up the eyes of the world<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sonoma Index-Tribune<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>July 8, 2021 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>Even the heavens are glad the pandemic is in remission \u2014 with well over half of Sonoma County fully vaccinated, it\u2019s time to reopen the doors of the big scopes to the public at Robert Ferguson Observatory on Saturday, July 10.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-glassfire.jpg\" alt=\"View of RFO during a smoky day after fires\" class=\"wp-image-1150 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-glassfire.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-glassfire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-glassfire-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rfo-glassfire-90x60.jpg 90w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressdemocrat.com\/article\/news\/firefighters-build-defenses-to-protect-robert-ferguson-observatory-from-gla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Firefighters build defenses to protect Robert Ferguson Observatory from Glass fire<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Press Democrat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo Credit: Christopher Chung \/ The Press Democrat<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>September 30, 2020 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>Tree branches were still smoldering on the ground about 20 yards behind Robert Ferguson Observatory on Wednesday afternoon, their moon-like ash providing blips of contrast to the blackened hillsides where firefighters had spent two days doing controlled burns.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StarsinOurEyes_012020-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"Eye looking at the cosmos\" class=\"wp-image-1149 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StarsinOurEyes_012020-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StarsinOurEyes_012020-107x60.jpg 107w, https:\/\/rfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StarsinOurEyes_012020.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northbaybiz.com\/2019\/12\/26\/stars-in-our-eyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stars in Our Eyes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Northbay Biz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>December 26, 2019 \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>\u201cThe Robert Ferguson Observatory is one of Sonoma County\u2019s best kept secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>True Star Power Weekend Sherpa April 8, 2026 &#8211; Here&#8217;s a truly enlightening way to spend an evening: head to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a &#8220;star party.&#8221; Kenwood\u2019s Robert Ferguson Observatory hosts \u2018Lunar Eclipse Focus Night\u2019 The Press Democrat February 27, 2026 &#8211; Although the total lunar eclipse or \u201cBlood &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1148","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1148"}],"version-history":[{"count":59,"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3287,"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1148\/revisions\/3287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rfo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}