VCAS Event Schedule

"WEATHER PERMITTING"

Messier Marathon on Saturday evening March 29th to last the entire night into Sunday morning March 30th.  The marathon will be held at the Frazier Mountain Trailhead 20W03 parking lot located just approx. 1/4 mile above the Chuchupate Ranger Station on Frazier Mountain Rd.  This event is open to all VCAS members, family, friends, and the general public. Please plan to bring "Very Warm Jacket / Clothing as the nighttime temperatures could get into the low 30's.  It is possible to see even lower temps through the night.

The Messier Marathon rules state that the participant is to use Manual / or Old School Observation, "No GOTO  / Computer Aided Observations"  We encourage all participants to try your best to follow the rules of the Marathon.  No one will be excluded, all are welcome to participate even with GOTO telescopes. You must have your own telescope. 

Please email vcas.president1@gmail.com if you plan to attend the Messier Marathon.  VCAS Members that participate will receive a certificate from the Astronomical League for your participation.  Also we want to make sure we have enough Object Order Finding lists to hand out.

The Frazier Mountain Trailhead (elev. 5400 ft.) is located on the west side of Frazier Mountain Road  (8N04) approximately 3/4 mile south of Lockwood Valley Road and Forest Service Chuchupate Ranger Station.  There is a large paved parking lot with pull-through stalls for vehicles with trailers or motor homes, and a vault toilet at the trailhead.

Current status of the Frazier Mountain Trailhead is listed as closed, please ignore as the parking lot is never closed (no gate), only the OHV Trailhead is closed for the winter. 

A Forest Pass is not required to park in this parking location.

Current weather statistics are showing clear skies with a low of about 38 to 40 degrees through the night. 

Please keep an eye on your emails, as we will update a "Go" or "No Go" for this event on Friday March 28 evening, and /or Saturday March 29th morning. 

Hillcrest Center for the Arts,

403 W Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

THIS IS A NON-VCAS EVENT

This year, we will be under the stars for our conference!

• The Astronomical League is pleased to announce that ASTROCON 2025 will be held during the new moon June 25-28 2025, at Ruby’s Inn, near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. Along with talks and workshops given during the day, nightly dark-sky observing will be offered at Rainbow Point.

• Bryce Canyon National Park features some of the darkest skies in the United States. Naturally, the National Park Service will hold a nightly public star gaze across the street from the Bryce Canyon Visitor’s Center for both park visitors and ASTROCON attendees. Ruby’s Inn is family-oriented with many options for fun and adventures. The area is full of possibilities.

• Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill will host the Star-B-Que Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM and the Gala Banquet Saturday night from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A room and/or RV Park/ tent camping site reservation link will be provided via email after registration to the conference has been confirmed. Lodging is available at a reduced rate and will fill up fast.

• Speakers and Workshops will utilize the lecture hall at Ruby’s Inn and Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.

• Reserved rooms with the ASTROCON rates are available the nights of June 24th through the 28th.  This also includes the RV Park and Campground.  If you want to come earlier or stay later, you will be charged the normal room rate for those extra nights.

• Enjoy a vacation extravaganza to other National Parks and National Monuments within a day's drive.

• Many activities available: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, guided ATV tours, and scenic flights.

• Featured Workshops:

Astrophotography / Digital Imaging - Novice

Astrophotography / Digital Imaging - Advanced

Observing: Personal Program / Journal

Observing: Tips & Ideas / Eyepieces / Filters

Observing: Charts / Books / Observing Lists

Sketching

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT www.astrocon2025.org