Amador Astronomical Society Telescope Flat Events

An Astronomer

The AAS has one of the best Dark Sky 360 degree views in California located at Telescope Flat. The observing site is approximately 4900 feet in elevation and is open to AAS members and their guests only, from June through September. AAS has scheduled four optimal observation dates for best viewing during this period. Members who wish to meet and share observations are encouraged to enter these dates in their calendar.

New to the club? A beginner? For more information, please see AAS Site Use Rules, and Astronomer's Tips below. If you have questions we have not answered, or need directions, please E-Mail Larry Brown, President, Amador Astronomical Society at larrybrown@volcano.net.

Legal Disclaimer: AAS Members and guests use the Telescope Flat site at their own risk. By using the site, you and your guests agree that the AAS, AAS members, officers and land owner shall not be held responsible for any accidents, breakage, theft or any other harmful or other incident in any form or in any respect whatsoever. Optimal viewing is dependant on weather and other factors. Thanks for your support, see you there!

Telescope Flat Observing Schedule 2006

  • Saturday, June 24, 2006: Sunset at 8:30 p.m. PHOTOS
  • Saturday, July 22, 2006: Sunset at 8:21 p.m. PHOTOS
  • Saturday, August 26, 2006: Sunset at 7:41 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 23, 2006: Sunset at 6:57 p.m.

Telescope Flat Site Use Rules

Parked Car

The AAS Telescope Flat Site is a rare and valuable resource for members. We ask that all members and their guests respect and follow these common-sense rules so that all of us benefit and will continue to be able to use this site for many years to come. Thank you for your courtesy!

  1. The site has no bathrooms. Please bring your own port-a-potty.
  2. The site has no water or food. Bring your own refreshments.
  3. The site has no garbage can or garbage pickup. Please keep site clean, bring your own trash bags, take them home with you. Search the area for cans and trash before you leave. You are responsible for your guests and their needs.
  4. On arrival, drive as slow as possible for safety and to keep dust out of telescopes, lenses, food and eyes!
  5. Arrive early, before dark. Park your car so that the headlights are facing out, away from the observers and observing area. When you leave, you will not blind fellow astronomers.
  6. Empty your car of everything you will possibly need and set it up before dark. Dome lights will destroy night vision for star gazing.
  7. Bring red filtered flash lights for yourself and your guests to prevent stray light.
  8. If your car inadvertently ends up behind other observers, try to exit slowly with parking lights only.
  9. Please leave your radio or CD player off.
  10. Safety Tip: bring a friend, don't observe alone just in case you have car trouble. The site is close to a traveled road, but traffic is sparse, especially at night. We have not tested cell phones as of yet, so let a family member know where you are going and when you expect to be back. We would appreciate some cell phone access reports from our members.
Download Telescope Flat Observing Rules in PDF format.

Telescope Flat Astronomers Tips

Setting Up

The Telescope Flat Events are suggested meeting times for the best observation during the month. There is no guarantee that member amateur astronomers with telescopes will be there, but you do not need a telescope or fancy equipment to take in the beauty and wonder of the night sky. If you are new to the club and just starting out here are some tips for enjoying the evening:

  1. Telescope Flat is located on a mountain ridge and after sundown, becomes quite cool. Wear long pants and warm layered clothing you can add or subtract as needed. A ski hat, or hooded jacket is nice.
  2. Bring a folding chair and or pad where you can sit or lay down to look at the sky comfortably.
  3. Bring binoculars if you have them, but you can pick out major stars, constellations, the Milky Way, planets and falling stars without any optical equipment at all.
  4. Download the AAS star chart for the evening and see how many astronomical objects you can find.
  5. Bring mosquito repellant for the few you may encounter.
  6. Wear practical and comfortable shoes for walking that protect your feet.
  7. Enjoy photography? Bring a film or digital camera and tripod and try some long exposures.
  8. Keep your own observing log. What starry objects did you find?
  9. Arrive at least an hour before sundown to give you time to set up in a good spot. Download and print the Telescope Flat Site Use Rules plus these Tips and bring them with you as a check list.
  10. Last, but not least, enjoy the evening, and we'll see you there!
Download Telescope Flat Astronomers Tips in PDF format.

Members! Tell us about your Photos From the Event, the best may be posted for all to enjoy.