Take a whole bunch of friendly, intelligent, telescope-toting amateur astronomers anxious to share their hobby, put them in a spot with a dark sky, add a good number of new members, kids and others interested in astronomy -- and watch the fun and learning begin.

VCAS Star Parties are a great way to meet other club members, learn more about the night sky, see a vast array of equipment, learn and ask about how telescopes work, and take a peek through the eyepieces of member telescopes. You'll see everything from lunar craters to deep sky objects.

Star Parties are usually held around the time of a new moon, when the night sky is at its darkest. Check the VCAS Calendar for dates of upcoming star parties VCAS CALENDAR

VCAS Star Parties can be held at any of the following locaitons:

      Mt Pinos in Los Padres National Forest   Mt Pinos
      Templin Hwy & Interstate 5 -- 6.2 miles north of Castaic.;Templin Hwy Location
      Check the VCAS Calendar for the current location:   VCAS CALENDAR

WEATHER: Before starting out be sure and check the sky conditions. If the sky is overcast, or the forecast indicates rain, consider waiting for the next scheduled party (most are Monthly Saturday night events). If there are just a few scattered clouds with clear sky between, come on up. You can call the VCAS Starline at 805-520-9666, the VCAS Website or click the link below.

Plan to arrive well before dark, especially if you're new to the location. Arriving early also allows you to get a good spot if you're brining your equipment, and allows time to eat and visit with others before dark. After dusk, there's little time to talk.

Don't forget plenty of warm clothing, a folding chair to sit on, and warm liquids to drink throughout the evening.

Automobile lights (headlights, backup lights, etc) can ruin participant's night vision. If you're going to leave during nighttime, park a distance away from those who will be staying the entire night and back your car into it's parking spot. When you leave, use only your parking lights in the vicinty of the event. Also, turn the dome light in your car to the off position.

Bring a red-filtered flashlight for use at night. A regular flashlight with red film taped over it will work.

                                        We hope to see you out in the night sky soon!