Our Theme for 2020: In Recognition of the 100th anniversary of Women's Suffrage We Celebrate the Women of Astronomy.
We are a 501.c.3 community based organization dedicated to spreading the excitement and wonder of astronomy and the space sciences throughout Ventura County. Our mission is to help stargazers of all ages learn more about the joys of astronomy through events, monthly meetings, star parties and community outreach.
Upcoming Events
Unless otherwise indicated, all events and parking are free and open to the public. Monthly meetings are held at the Moorpark College Forum, and star parties are held at the Moorpark College Observatory. Donations are greatly appreciated. Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark Ca 93021
February Meeting:
Friday February 21, 2020
7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Meaning in the Maya Skies
Dr. Andrew Kinkella will be our guest speaker.
Maya archaeologist (and life-long amateur astronomer) Dr. Andrew Kinkella will present a lecture on the relationship between the ancient Maya and the cosmos. We will discuss how the Maya culture perceived constellations, planets, alignments, and the Milky Way. We will also see how these cosmic bodies were represented in Maya art and architecture. Dr. Kinkella will include his own recollections of the Maya night sky as he experienced it during his fieldwork in the jungle, often alone in a hammock.
Since 1993, Dr. Kinkella has spent 17 field seasons in the jungles of west-central Belize, studying the Classic Maya (AD 250-900). Andrew’s archaeological research focuses on a string of 25 cenotes (water-filled sinkholes) located in the Cara Blanca region of Belize, and how the ancient Maya used these cenotes during water rituals. His research includes an underwater component, where the cenotes are explored and mapped using diving equipment.
In addition to working in Belize, Andrew is also the director of the Moorpark College Archaeological Program (MCAP), which teaches archaeology through research at local California archaeological sites. Andrew has also worked in Guatemala, Mexico, and Germany, and he is currently a full-time faculty member at Moorpark College in southern California. Andrew uses his teaching position to bring the joy and excitement of archaeology to the general public, and he is currently working on bringing his work to a broad audience through publishing, YouTube, and other media outlets. When not diving cenotes or cutting his way through the jungle at a very slow pace, Andrew relaxes at home with his wife and two kids.
James Webb Space
Telescope Tours
January tours have been canceled by JWST Program Management, new dates in February have been requested, see JWST Tours Page for more information