Star Party at The Monument!
The Star Party was a big success! Below is the schedule of events that took place as well as the set up. Our next Star Party will be announced in our newsletter the VOICE.
Chaparral Ranger Station Parking Lot at the West Pinnacles
Friday, April 29th 5:30pm - 8pm
Enjoy a Star Party under some of the best skies around! Bring your telescope or take a peek through one from local astronomers on site. Professionals and amateurs welcome!
Schedule: BG Horvat, lead park interpretation ranger will start off with a guided nature walk into the park, starting at 5:30pm, lasting for an hour or so. The Star Party begins following the walk.
Telescope Set-Up: Entrance into the park starts at 5pm for everyone. Set-up will take place at the main chapparal parking lot next to the restrooms, no electricity will be available. When you arrive you will see a sign saying “Parking Here”, which is for visitors. Everyone setting up with any telescopes will bypass that sign and continue on down to the main parking area to set up the scopes undisturbed. To reserve your spot email David Baumgartner or call (831) 673-0299. Space is limited, first come first serve!
Entrance Fee: There will be no entrance fee to anyone volunteering to set up their scope and allowing the public to view. The public will be charged a $5.00 entrance fee per auto. Envelopes will be provided at the gate with a deposit container for the fee.
Park Hours: You can stay as long as you like to enjoy the beautiful night skies. The entrance gate will close at 8pm, allowing no one to enter after that time, so don’t be late! The gate will automatically open on your way out, when you decide to leave. If you would like to stay the night, that is fine, but you will need to vacate the parking area by 9am that morning. At this time, the park will not allow tents at this site, but you can take a little snooze in your car, van, or small RV anytime you like.
Directions: Keep in mind this is on the West side of the park, coming in from Soledad just south of Salinas, not the East side south of Hollister. From San Francisco Bay Area: Take Hwy 101 south to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east.Take care, for you are driving through town for a short while; and the Hwy is somewhat winedy going up to the site. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into the Pinnacles National Monument, where you will see the parking sign.
Look to The Stars!
