Astronomy for Families in the Bay Area

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Kids love looking up at the night sky. It's an easy first step in the field of science simply because all you have to do is step outside and look up. The stars, moon, and planets always inspire wonder and curiosity. By building off a child’s interests in space, you can foster a love of science, especially in astronomy, for kids and the Bay Area has many great opportunities to pique their astro-curiosity.

MUSEUMS & PLANETARIUMS

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Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center

Chabot Space & Science Center is to be a place for students of all ages to learn and be inspired about the Universe and our Planet Earth. Chabot offers visitors hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits and space related artifacts, and Planetarium shows that explore the universe and life here on earth.

Chabot Space & Science Center
Morrison Planetarium
California Academy of Science
Morrison Planetarium
California Academy of Science

California Academy of Science has monthly Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lectures, Activities and the Morrison Planetarium, the largest all-digital dome in the world. With a state-of- the art projector, visitors have an unparalleled view of the universe.

California Academy of Science
Lawrence Hall of Science Planetarium
Lawrence Hall of Science
Lawrence Hall of Science Planetarium
Lawrence Hall of Science

Lawrence Hall of Science Planetarium has a geodesic dome installed with a digital, fish-eye, full-dome projection system. All programs are live and interactive, with audience participation in various activities. Questions and exploration are encouraged!

Lawrence Hall of Science
The Robert Ferguson Observatory
The Robert Ferguson Observatory
The Robert Ferguson Observatory
The Robert Ferguson Observatory

The Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood brings the science and fun of astronomy to adults, children, and anyone who is curious about the universe we are a part of.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory
San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium
San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium
San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium
San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium

San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium has a panorama (360 deg.) projection system with an 80 scene capability plus numerous special effects projectors such as: rotating galaxy, aurora projectors, solar system projector (orrery), earth-globe projector, twin rear-screen projectors, meteor shower, evolving star, solar and lunar eclipse projector, satellite projector, 12 spot projectors, slew mirror systems, etc.

San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium

EVENTS

CLUBS

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San Francisco Amateur Astronomers
San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

The San Francisco Amateur Astronomers hosts a monthly City Star Party at either the Presidio Parade Grounds, Point Lobos near Lands End, Pier 17 near the Exploratorium, or other announced locations. 

APPS

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Iridium Flares
Iridium Flares

Iridium Flares Did you ever want to see a falling star but don't want to sit outside all night waiting to see one? The next best thing is watching Iridium Flares. The advantage of them is that you can know the exact time and place when they're about to happen. The big difference is that you're watching an Iridium (a satellite) that's reflecting sunlight, instead of a falling star.

Sky Safari 
Sky Safari 

Sky Safari shows you 120,000 stars, 222 of the best-known star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies in the sky; including all of the Solar System's major planets and moons, and more than 200 asteroids, comets, and satellites.

Star Walk
Star Walk

Star Walk is the most beautiful stargazing app you’ve ever seen on a mobile device. It will become your interactive astro guide to the night sky, following your every movement in real-time and allowing you to explore over 200, 000 celestial bodies with extensive information about stars and constellations that you find.

ISS Finder
ISS Finder

ISS Finder a simple and beautiful way to track the International Space Station. ISS Finder provides excellent pass prediction so you'll know when and where in the sky the station is passing overhead.